Crystal Palace Host Fiorentina in Conference League QF

Crystal Palace face Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarterfinal, marking the English side's debut at this stage of a major European competition. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. BST, with the Italian visitors bringing a wealth of knockout experience to south London.

The hosts advanced to the last eight after a tense round-of-16 tie against AEK Larnaca, drawing 0-0 at home before securing a 2-1 victory in extra time in Greece, where Ismaila Sarr scored the decisive goal in the 99th minute following the opponents' reduction to nine men. Palace finished the league phase just one point behind Fiorentina and have remained unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, providing momentum despite a mid-season slump. Currently 14th in the Premier League with a 10-point buffer from the relegation zone, the Eagles are virtually assured of top-flight survival. However, their home form has been inconsistent, with only three league wins at Selhurst Park this season.

Fiorentina, sitting 15th in Serie A and five points above the drop zone, progressed with more authority, defeating Rakow Czestochowa 2-1 in both...