Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner was full of praise for Jean-Philippe Mateta after his goal in their 3-0 win over Fiorentina in their Conference League quarter-final first leg clash on Thursday.
The Eagles took a massive advantage from Thursday’s clash and will now head into next week’s return leg with a foot in the semifinals.
Mateta, making his first start for Palace since January after his failed transfer and also injury struggles, opened the scoring in the 24th minute, marking his first goal since New Year’s Day.
“I think that’s what JP deserves,” Glasner admitted after the match.
“He always gives 100 per cent effort to the team, 100 per cent effort for Crystal Palace. He’s scored so many important goals for us, and he also had a tough period now. It was six weeks, he couldn’t hit the ball or train on the pitch, and he was really working hard to get back.
“I’m pleased for him, I’m pleased for us, and I’m pleased for Crystal Palace, because he’s a great player, he’s a great striker. As I mentioned before, we will need him. I think he will need to rest against Newcastle, but it’s great to have Jorgen Strand Larsen back”, the Austrian added.
Tyrell Mitchell added a second after poor defending from Fiorentina, before Ismaila Sarr rounded off scoring to seal a remarkable performance from the hosts.
Crystal Palace are now unbeaten in their last seven European games and are favourites to advance to the semifinals.
“It was a great performance from my team, especially in the first half and from minute 70 until the end. 20 minutes after half-time, a little bit of problems as Fiorentina started more aggressively in the second half, we lost the ball too quickly”, Glasner lauded the entire team’s performance.
“But overall, the energy today here at Selhurst with our fans, from the team, was great and I think it was also the result that showed the chances we had and I’m really pleased with what I have seen today”, he concluded.
Crystal Palace will now face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, before heading to Italy for the second leg of their meeting with Fiorentina next Thursday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
