Jean-Philippe Mateta said he dreamed about hearing the ‘boom’ from Crystal Palace fans again after scoring in a memorable 3-0 win over Fiorentina. The French striker is back on good terms with supporters and the good times keep on coming for the Eagles.
Oliver Glasner’s men surged to an emphatic victory over the Italian outfit and Mateta got the ball rolling. He converted a 24th-minute penalty after Evann Guessand was brought down in the box.
Tyrick Mitchell made it two with just his seventh goal for the club in the 31st minute. While the visitors had their chances, they never looked like getting past Dean Henderson.
Ismaila Sarr put the icing on the cake in the 90th minute with a fine header from close range. Job done for the South Londoners who will travel to Florence next Thursday with a three-goal advantage.
Mateta and Mitchell Full of Joy
Mateta couldn’t stop smiling when speaking to TNT Sports after the game. He was elated to have found the back of the net for Palace after such a tumultuous past few months:
“Yeah what a night. It’s been a long time, I didn’t play or start. I’m very happy. I dream about that for nights and I am so happy!”
Mateta did miss a golden opportunity to add to his penalty but it needn’t matter:
“I missed but it’s okay my guy (Mitchell) scored.”
Mitchell was similarly over the moon with how the night panned out and he was pleased to get himself a goal:
“It’s a great occasion, I’m just happy to score, such a great night.”
He added:
“We know how strong we are at home, we know we can score goals.”
Palace still do have to finish the job at the Artemio Franchi Stadium next Thursday. Before that, Glasner’s men turn their attention to the Premier League when they face Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on Sunday (April 12th).
