UEFA Conference League round-up: Strasbourg fall to shock defeat as Palace in line to face Shakhtar
Catch up with the best of the action from tonight's UEFA Conference League quarter-finals
Crystal Palace continue on their quest to land a first-ever European trophy in the UEFA Conference League, and the Eagles faced a tough test against Fiorentina in their quarter-final first leg tonight.
Oliver Glasner’s side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against the Italian side, putting themselves in a strong position to advance to the final four next week.
But that was not the only action of the evening, with three other ties all serving up some exciting football as we barrel into the business end of the season.
There are still some strong sides remaining in the competition, including Liam Rosenior’s former club Strasbourg, as well as Dutch powerhouses AZ Alkmaar.
Should Palace make it through to the final four next week, they will face the winner of Shakhtar Donetsk and AZ Alkmaar.
You can catch up with the best of the action across the evening right here on 101GreatGoals.
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Spain triumph in early kick-off
Rayo Vallecano produced a commanding display to secure a 3-0 win over AEK Athens, taking full control of the tie.
An early strike from Ilias Akhomach set the tone, finishing a swift counter inside two minutes. Unai Lopez doubled the lead just before the break, capping another good move from the hosts.
AEK improved after the interval but failed to convert chances, with Luka Jovic going closest. Isi Palazon sealed the win from the penalty spot.
French resistance broken
Mainz picked up a 2-0 win over Strasbourg, with both goals coming in the first half.
Kaishu Sano opened the scoring early with a strike from distance, before Stefan Posch doubled the lead soon after, finishing from close range following a corner to put Mainz firmly in control.
Strasbourg responded with moments of pressure after the break, striking the woodwork and forcing several saves, but lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Nightmare for Alkmaar
Shakhtar Donetsk secured a dominant 3-0 win over AZ Alkmaar, with all three goals arriving in a clinical second-half display.
After a quiet first period, Pedrinho broke the deadlock with a superb long-range strike, shifting momentum firmly in Shakhtar’s favour.
Alisson Santana then took control late on, scoring twice in quick succession to seal the result.
AZ struggled to convert their chances despite moments of pressure, repeatedly denied by disciplined defending and goalkeeping.
Full UEFA Conference League results
Rayo Vallecano 3-0 AEK Athens
Crystal Palace 3-0 Fiorentina
Mainz 2-0 Strasbourg
Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0 AZ Alkmaar