Palace beat nine-man AEK Larnaca for last-eight spot
Ismaila Sarr scores twice to book Conference League last-eight spot for Crystal Palace after victory against AEK Larnaca, who have two players sent off.
UEFA Conference League AEK Larnaca (1) 1 - 1 (2) Crystal Palace AET Ismaila Sarr has scored five goals in the Conference League this season [Getty Images] Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace edged past nine-man AEK Larnaca in extra time to move into the quarter-finals of the Conference League. The Senegal forward opened the scoring in the 13th minute to hand Oliver Glasner's side the perfect start in Cyprus following their first-leg goalless draw in south London a week ago. Spanish defender Enric Saborit headed in a 63rd-minute equaliser after the break before being sent-off for a second yellow card 10 minutes later, as the hosts took the tie to extra time.
And it was left to Sarr to deliver the decisive contribution in the 99th minute as he steered in Daichi Kamada's low cross from close range set up a meeting with Fiorentina in the last eight. The closing minutes were marred by the dismissal of another Larnaca defender Petros Ioannou for a studs-first rash challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta, while home supporters threw cups and other objects on to the pitch. Palace's victory ensured they gained measure of revenge for their league phase defeat to the Cypriot side at Selhurst Park in October.
However, it was far from plain sailing at times against a resolute Larnaca side who had conceded just once in their previous seven games in the competition. After Sarr had rounded home goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic to put them ahead, Palace made heavy weather of putting the game beyond the hosts and were punished for a defensive lapse as Saborit headed home a Marcus Rohden corner. It was only once Sarr had registered his fifth goal in the competition that Palace, aided by their numerical advantage, threatened to cut loose.
The 28-year-old also curled an effort on to the Larnaca crossbar, while Jorgen Strand Larsen headed against the post as another goalmouth scramble almost produced a goal. Sarr was again denied a hat-trick when he hit the frame of the goal with almost the last kick of the game. Have your say on Crystal Palace's display Crystal Palace analysis: Sarr shines as Eagles keep Euro dream alive Glasner had called for his side to be more ruthless in front of goal following their 0-0 draws, against Larnaca and in the Premier League against Leeds, over the past week.