Crystal Palace Earned a Strong First-Leg Win in Europe
Chris Richards was a composed and reliable presence as Crystal Palace put one foot in the Conference League semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 victory over Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.
The American center-back played all 90 minutes, completing 41-of-47 passes at an 87% accuracy rate and contributing four defensive actions, including three clearances and a block, as Palace kept a clean sheet against a Fiorentina side that managed just two shots on target.
Richards, who won his sole aerial duel and was never dribbled past, also picked up a yellow card late on as the match grew increasingly physical in its closing stages—a small blemish on an otherwise controlled evening's work.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, the 26-year-old made clear that last season's FA Cup and Community Shield successes have only sharpened the squad's appetite for more. "With the trophies we won last season, the players have confidence," he told TNT Sports. "We want to win trophies at this club."
With a three-goal cushion heading into the second leg in Florence, Richards and Palace will feel well-placed to push on and reach the final four of the competition.
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