European Recap: Palace and Villa Win, Forest Frustrated
Crystal Palace 3–1 AZ Alkmaar
Crystal Palace recorded their first-ever home win in the main draw of a European competition as Ismaïla Sarr’s brace inspired a confident 3–1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Determined to respond to their earlier defeat against AEK Larnaca, the Eagles started strongly. Sarr struck the post early before winning a penalty when fouled by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, though Jean-Philippe Mateta’s spot-kick was saved. Palace kept pressing as Will Hughes hit the bar, and the breakthrough finally came in the 22nd minute. Maxence Lacroix lashed home from Marc Guehi’s knockdown after a long throw, confirmed by VAR.
Sarr then made it 2–0 just before half-time, prodding in from close range after headers from Jefferson Lerma and Lacroix. AZ hit back after the break through Sven Mijnans’ deflected strike, but Palace quickly restored control when Sarr coolly finished from Mateta’s through-ball to seal the points. Oliver Glasner’s men closed out the game comfortably, earning a third straight victory ahead of their derby clash with Brighton.
Aston Villa 2–0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
Aston Villa marked Unai Emery’s three-year anniversary in charge with a professional 2–0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Europa League, extending the Spaniard’s incredible home record in Europe.
With Maccabi fans banned from attending, Villa Park had an unusual quietness early on. Both sides created half-chances before Morgan Rogers’ dazzling run almost broke the deadlock. However, it was Ian Maatsen who finally put Villa ahead in first-half stoppage time, squeezing his shot in off the bar from a tight angle.
Maccabi threatened through Dor Peretz, but Emiliano Martínez produced vital saves to preserve Villa’s lead. The visitors’ hopes faded when Elad Madmon fouled Ezri Konsa in the box, allowing Donyell Malen to double the advantage from the spot. Despite late chances, Villa coasted home to claim a much-needed response after their previous European setback, while Maccabi remain winless (D1, L3) in the group stage.
Sturm Graz 0–0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest endured frustration in Austria as they were held to a 0–0 draw by Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa League, leaving Sean Dyche’s men with just one win in 14 across all competitions.
Forest started brightly, with James McAtee firing narrowly wide and Ryan Yates seeing his header cleared off the line. Sturm briefly thought they had scored through Maurice Malone, but the flag was up for offside. Forest then missed a golden chance when Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty was saved by Oliver Christensen after a handball.
The second half produced few clear-cut opportunities, though Yates and Arnaud Kalimuendo both went close, while Nicolás Domínguez’s late deflected shot hit the post. Forest were forced to settle for a draw, yet the result will encourage Dyche given their injury woes. Jürgen Säumel’s side, meanwhile, showed greater defensive resilience after a tough run of results.