Crystal Palace ended decades of European heartbreak with a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on Thursday, November 6, 2025 — their first-ever home win in a major European competition. The final whistle blew at 20:00 UTC, sealing a performance that felt less like a mid-table clash and more like a statement. For a club that’s played in Europe since 1990 but never won at home in the UEFA Cup, Europa League, or now the Conference League, this wasn’t just three points. It was liberation.
A Breakthrough at Selhurst Park
The atmosphere inside Selhurst Park, packed to its 25,486-seat capacity, crackled with something rare: belief. Fans had waited 35 years for this moment. Previous European home games had ended in draws, penalties, or last-minute collapses. Not this time. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a handball by AZ’s Lucas Woudenberg. The penalty was initially awarded to Marc Guehi, but after VAR review and a quick consultation with the referee, the spot-kick was reassigned to Mateta — who buried it coolly. By the 25th minute, the crowd was already buzzing. But the goal wasn’t Marc Lacroix’s — that was a misreport. The second came from Eberechi Eze in the 54th, a trademark slalom through three defenders before firing low past keeper Robin van der Meer. Halftime: 2-0. The script had flipped.
AZ’s Brief Resurgence and Eze’s Killer Strike
AZ Alkmaar, managed by Maarten Martens, responded with grit. In the 58th minute, Jens Odgaard pounced on a loose clearance from Jefferson Lerma and smashed it into the top corner. For a moment, the visitors smelled an upset. But Crystal Palace’s midfield, led by Lerma and Cheick Doucouré, refused to buckle. Then came the dagger. In the 80th minute, Eberechi Eze — the match’s undisputed star — cut inside from the left, feinted past two defenders, and curled a finish into the far post. The stadium erupted. The goal was his 12th of the season — and the most important by far.
Substitutions, Fouls, and Final Whistle
The final 15 minutes were a chess match. Crystal Palace made three changes: Jefferson Lerma replaced Adam Wharton in the 65th, Cheick Oumar Sissoko came on for Doucouré in the 80th, and Tyrick Mitchell replaced Nathaniel Clyne in the 86th. AZ responded with Jorrit Hendrix, Calvin Stengs, and Fredrik André Björkan — all attacking options. But the home side held firm. Fouls flew — Eze was booked in the 67th, Woudenberg in the 74th. Four minutes of stoppage time were added after a lengthy VAR check on a potential handball in the box. When the whistle blew, the players collapsed to their knees. Fans chanted Mateta’s name. Someone had finally done it.
What This Means for Crystal Palace
Before this match, Crystal Palace sat 23rd in the UEFA Conference League standings — just above AZ Alkmaar at 27th, separated only by goal difference. Now, with three wins in three matches, they’re suddenly in the top half of the table. This isn’t just about European qualification anymore. It’s about identity. For years, Palace fans watched their club get knocked out by smaller teams in qualifying rounds. This win, against a Dutch side that reached the Europa Conference League final just two seasons ago, signals a shift. The club’s European campaign is no longer a footnote. It’s the headline.
Behind the Scenes: Broadcast and Analysis
Internationally, the match was streamed by CBS Sports Golazo in partnership with Paramount+, with commentary from Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, and Jamie Carragher. Their analysis echoed the sentiment: "This is the moment Crystal Palace stopped being a team that just shows up in Europe — they’re starting to believe they belong." The match drew over 1.2 million viewers in the U.S. alone, a record for a Palace European fixture.
What’s Next?
Crystal Palace travel to Romania to face CFR Cluj in their next Conference League match on November 27. A win there would all but guarantee top-16 progression. Domestically, they’re 10th in the Premier League — still in the hunt for a top-eight finish. The club’s European success is no longer a dream. It’s becoming a pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this Crystal Palace’s first home win in a major European competition?
Despite participating in European competitions since 1990 — including the UEFA Cup and Europa League — Crystal Palace had never won a home game in any of those tournaments. Their previous 11 home matches in Europe ended in six draws and five losses. This victory over AZ Alkmaar broke a 35-year streak of disappointment, making it a historic milestone for the club and its supporters.
How did Eberechi Eze become so crucial to this win?
Eze scored two goals and created multiple chances, continuing his form as Palace’s most consistent attacking threat. His 80th-minute strike was his 12th goal of the season — the most by any Palace player in all competitions since Wilfried Zaha in 2018. His ability to take on defenders one-on-one and finish under pressure has made him the focal point of their attack, especially in high-stakes games.
What impact does this win have on Crystal Palace’s European qualification chances?
With the win, Crystal Palace moved to 7 points in the UEFA Conference League League phase — tied for 15th place. Only the top 16 teams advance to the knockout stage. With two matches left, including a home game against CFR Cluj, they’re now in strong position. A draw in Romania would likely be enough to secure progression, making this win the foundation of their best European campaign in decades.
Why was the penalty awarded to Mateta instead of Guehi?
Initially, the penalty was given to Marc Guehi, but after VAR reviewed the incident, it was determined that Mateta was the player who was fouled — not Guehi. The foul occurred as Mateta drove into the box and was clipped by Woudenberg’s trailing leg. Guehi was nearby but not the direct victim. The referee corrected the decision after consulting the VAR team, and Mateta took and converted the spot-kick.
How does this match compare to Crystal Palace’s previous European performances?
In their last major European campaign — the 2021-22 Europa Conference League — Palace exited in the group stage after just one win. This time, they’ve already matched that win total in three matches. Their defensive record has improved drastically: only one goal conceded in three games, compared to six in four games last season. The team’s cohesion and confidence are markedly higher, signaling a new era under manager Oliver Glasner.
Who broadcast the match, and why was the commentary team notable?
CBS Sports Golazo, in partnership with Paramount+, held exclusive U.S. streaming rights. The commentary team featured Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, and Jamie Carragher — three former Premier League stars known for their sharp tactical insight. Their praise for Eze and Palace’s overall discipline helped elevate the match’s profile, turning a mid-table European fixture into a talking point across football networks.
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