Crystal Palace all but booked their place in the Conference League semi-finals with a resounding 3-0 win over Fiorentina. But who was on top form and who was not at their best?
It was a night at Selhurst Park to remember for Crystal Palace fans as the Eagles cruised past Fiorentina to all but book themselves a spot in the final four of the Conference League.
Having struggled past Zrinjski and AEK Larnaca in the earlier knockout rounds, Palace were met with their strongest opponents yet, a Fiorentina side who know how to thrive in this competition.
Twice finalists and semi-finalists in each of the last three seasons, Fiorentina are a key part of a competition that is still in its infancy.
But on Thursday, buoyed by a vocal and passionate Eagles fan base, they were no match for Palace, who breezed past them in style.
They will now have to go to Florence to finish the job off but with a three-goal cushion, Oliver Glasner’s men are in complete control.
It was also a performance that Palace fans would have hoped to see in this competition, with gritty victories coming before.
Now they have set alight the competition and proven they are capable of going all the way.
But who was particularly good and who may be looking at a spot on the bench next week?
Dean Henderson 7
After a first half in which he could have effectively sat down for 45 minutes and there would have been no change, Henderson was twice pulled in to make some sharp second half saves when Fiorentina began to get on top.
Jaydee Canvot 7
He has become so composed next to Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix, notably developing into a very composed centre back.
Did commit four fouls but his composure on the ball should make Palace fans very excited for the future.
Maxence Lacroix 7
Not his busiest or best night but Lacroix again has stepped up further for Palace as a leader in the absence of Marc Guehi.
Chris Richards 7
Similar to his fellow back-three members, Richards was solid and composed. Had statistically the weakest pass percentage of the three but it was immaterial.
Tyrick Mitchell 8
Another night where Mitchell puts in a performance that begs the question of how he only has two England caps to his name.
Quality at the back, in the build-up and in attack, Mitchell took his goal well to put Palace in complete control.
Daichi Kamada 8
Was his usual busy self again on both sides of the ball and his ball to Ismaila Sarr effectively put the game to bed in the 90th minute.
Created four chances to further highlight his importance to Palace’s build-up.
Adam Wharton 7
Not as noticeable as his midfield counterpart on the ball but put in a very solid performance nonetheless.
His 70 passes showcase just how key he is to the Palace team.
Daniel Munoz 8
Every time I watch the Colombian in action, I am in awe of his quality and it was no different against Fiorentina.
Munoz is Palace’s most important player in this system and he again proved that, completing 100% of his attempted tackles but also creating five chances, more than any other player.
Evan Guessand 6
Probably the only Palace player who did not really catch the eye much, and was substituted earlier than any other player at the 65-minute mark.
Did win a team high four fouls but otherwise struggled to make a major impact.
Ismaila Sarr 8
Another game, another goal for Ismaila Sarr and this one was of particular importance.
The Senegalese bagged the all-important third goal in the 90th minute in yet another energetic performance.
Jean-Philippe Mateta 8
Anyone who doubted Mateta’s commitment to Palace after his attempted departure to AC Milan in January was swiftly converted.
Scoring his first Palace goal in three months, albeit from the penalty spot, Mateta put in a spirited display, something Glasner will be delighted about in the absence of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Substitutes:
Yeremy Pino 7
Replaced Guessand and made an impact, bringing the necessary energy right when Palace needed it.
Completed 100% of his passes and of his tackles.
Jefferson Lerma N/A
Replaced Mateta but was only on the pitch for seven minutes.
Brennan Johnson N/A
Came on in the 94th minute.
Will Hughes N/A
Came on in the 94th minute.