In a commanding performance, Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final on Thursday. Jean-Philippe Mateta, making his first start since a failed transfer to AC Milan, opened the scoring with a penalty in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was fouled by Fiorentina's Dodo. Mateta also played a crucial role in Palace's second goal, with Tyrick Mitchell finishing after Mateta's initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper David de Gea. Despite a spirited response from Fiorentina, including a shot from Giovanni Fabbian that hit the woodwork, Palace maintained control. Ismaila Sarr capped the victory with a goal in the 90th minute, giving Palace a strong advantage heading into the second leg in Italy. The winner of this tie will meet either Shakhtar Donetsk, who triumphed 3-0 over AZ Alkmaar, or Rayo Vallecano, who won 3-0 against AEK Athens, in the semi-finals.