Crystal Palace prepare for first-ever European quarter-final against Fiorentina
Crystal Palace prepare for first-ever European quarter-final against Fiorentina Crystal Palace host Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final. The tie represents a historic moment for Crystal Palace as they prepare for the club’s first European quarter-final. Oliver Glasner’s side have reached the last eight after edging past AEK Larnaca in a dramatic round-of-16 encounter.
The Eagles were held to a goalless draw in the first leg in London before securing a 2–1 extra-time victory in Cyprus. Despite scraping through that tie, Palace approach the quarter-final with growing confidence after improving results in recent weeks. The London club have lost just two of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
However, their domestic campaign has been inconsistent and they continue to struggle for stability in the Premier League. Selhurst Park has not always been a fortress for Palace this season. Glasner’s side have won only two of their last 13 home matches in all competitions.
Both victories have come in their last four home games though, and those matches also produced four consecutive clean sheets. The Eagles will hope that momentum carries into what is arguably the biggest European night in the club’s history. Fiorentina arrive in London with far greater experience of European knockout football.
The Italian side have reached the semi-finals in each of the last three editions of the Conference League. Despite falling short in two finals during that period, the competition remains a major target for the club this season. La Viola have also shown signs of improvement in recent weeks after a difficult Serie A campaign.