Crystal Palace Stun AZ Alkmaar 3-1 in First Home European Win

Crystal Palace ended a decades-long drought in European competition with a thrilling 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on Thursday, November 6, 2025 — their first-ever home win in a major European fixture, as confirmed by ESPN. The win, sealed by goals from Maxence Lacroix and a brace from Ismaïla Sarr, lifted Palace to six points in the UEFA Conference League London League Phase, while AZ Alkmaar’s hopes of a knockout berth took a serious hit. The crowd of 21,459 roared as the Eagles broke their European hoodoo — a moment long overdue for a club that last reached a European semifinal in 1991.

First European Home Win: A Historic Night at Selhurst Park

For nearly 35 years, Crystal Palace had never won a European match on home soil. They’d drawn against Dynamo Kyiv in 1991, lost to AC Milan in 1990, and even been knocked out by a late goal from Porto in 2004. But on this night, under the lights of Selhurst Park, everything changed. Lacroix, the 23-year-old French defender, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a powerful header off a corner from Daichi Kamada — a moment that sent shockwaves through the stands. The goal wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement. This wasn’t a team playing for pride anymore. They were playing to belong.

Then came Sarr. The Senegalese winger, who had been criticized for inconsistency earlier this season, turned into a nightmare for AZ’s defense. His first goal in the 49th minute — a blistering left-footed strike after cutting inside from the right — doubled the lead. The Dutch side, rattled, responded quickly. Søren Mijnans, AZ’s 25-year-old Danish midfielder, pulled one back in the 54th minute with a low, curling shot that slipped past Dean Henderson. But Sarr wasn’t done. Just three minutes later, he pounced on a loose ball in the box after a scramble, slotting home his second. The stadium erupted. The noise? It wasn’t just celebration. It was vindication.

Lineups, Substitutions, and the Confusion Over Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace’s starting XI, as confirmed by Sky Sports, was a blend of experience and youth: Henderson in goal, a backline of Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Uche, and Clyne, with Kamada and Wharton anchoring midfield. But here’s where things got messy. Several outlets — notably Last Word on Sports and AOL — incorrectly listed Tyrick Mitchell as starting at left-back and even credited him with a goal in the 35th minute. That didn’t happen. Mitchell was on the bench. The confusion likely stemmed from his strong performance in the previous match against Slovan Bratislava, where he did score. But on November 6? He didn’t play until the 86th minute, replacing Clyne.

AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, lined up with a 4-2-3-1 that looked more cautious than aggressive. Goalkeeper Richard Owusu-Oduro was solid, but the back four — especially Wouter Goes and António Penetra Correia — struggled to contain Sarr’s pace. Their midfield trio of Mijnans, Koopmeiners (who didn’t start), and Smit was outworked. The substitution of Dijkstra in the 62nd minute for defensive reinforcement came too late. By then, Palace had already seized control.

Injuries and Squad Strains: Who Was Missing?

Both teams entered the match with injury concerns. For Palace, Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure were out with knee issues — two key midfielders. Eddie Nketiah, their top scorer in the Premier League, was sidelined with a hamstring strain, forcing James Devenny to lead the line. Caleb Kporha’s back injury and Naouirou Ahamada’s ineligibility due to registration issues further thinned the squad. Adam Wharton, listed as doubtful with illness, defied expectations to start and played 64 minutes before being replaced. His energy in midfield was vital.

AZ Alkmaar’s injury list was equally troubling: Seiya Maikuma (knee), Mexx Meerdink (groin), and Jordy Clasie (unspecified) were all absent. Their manager, Erwin van de Looi (Belgian), admitted post-match that the lack of depth in central defense was a “critical weakness.” Without Maikuma’s aerial presence and Clasie’s composure, AZ looked vulnerable — especially against Lacroix’s set-piece threat.

What This Means for Both Teams

For Crystal Palace, this win isn’t just about points. It’s about belief. They’re now tied for second in Group F with a game in hand. A win in their next fixture against FC Basel could seal qualification. The team’s defensive structure — anchored by Guehi and Lacroix — has improved dramatically since the opening loss to Slovan. Sarr, once seen as a luxury signing, is now their most dangerous weapon in Europe.

For AZ Alkmaar, the road ahead just got steeper. With only three points from three games, they need to win their remaining fixtures and hope for other results to go their way. Their attack, which had scored six goals in their first two matches, was held to just one here. Mijnans’ goal was a rare bright spot, but the midfield lacked creativity without Koopmeiners. Their manager now faces pressure to make changes — and fast.

What’s Next?

Crystal Palace travel to Basel on November 27, 2025, needing just a draw to all but guarantee progression. AZ Alkmaar host FC Basel on the same day — a must-win if they’re to stay alive. Meanwhile, Palace’s fans are already dreaming of a Europa League playoff spot. And for the first time in decades, Selhurst Park feels like a fortress — not just in the Premier League, but on the European stage.