Troy Parrott Scores Twice as AZ Alkmaar Beat Sparta Prague | Conference League Roundup
AZ Alkmaar have taken a significant step towards the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals after a 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. The match, played at the AFAS Stadion on , saw Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott score both goals for the Dutch side, a performance that will undoubtedly be welcomed by Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson ahead of a crucial World Cup play-off.
Parrott opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful finish to the roof of the net from inside the box. The goal gave AZ Alkmaar a deserved lead going into the half-time break, and signaled a strong performance from the 24-year-old forward. Though, Sparta Prague responded quickly after the restart, with Matyas Vojta leveling the score just five minutes into the second half.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw, but Parrott struck again in the 87th minute to secure the win for AZ Alkmaar. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure from the home side, with Ro-Zangelo Daal providing the assist. Parrott finished with a close-range effort, using his thigh to guide the ball past Sparta Prague goalkeeper Jakub Surovcík. A subsequent VAR check confirmed the goal, much to the relief of the AZ Alkmaar faithful.
Parrott’s brace is particularly timely for Ireland, given recent injury concerns in their attacking options. Hallgrimsson will be hoping the striker can maintain this form heading into the World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic. The need for a fully fit and firing Parrott is paramount, especially considering his previous success – being described as a “hat-trick hero of Budapest” – in crucial matches.
Elsewhere in the Conference League, Crystal Palace face an uphill battle after being held to a 0-0 draw by AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park. The match, played on the same evening, saw a resolute defensive performance from the Cypriot side, denying Palace the opportunity to take a lead into the second leg.
The draw was a frustrating result for Palace, particularly given their previous encounter with AEK Larnaca in the league phase. In October, Palace suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park, a result that ultimately forced them to navigate a two-legged play-off against Zrinjski Mostar to reach the knockout stages. This latest stalemate suggests that AEK Larnaca are a difficult opponent to overcome.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner welcomed back Jean-Philippe Mateta to the squad following a knee injury. Mateta’s return was a positive boost for the team, especially after his failed transfer to AC Milan in January, a situation that reportedly “soured the mood” in South London. He received a warm reception from the home fans when he was introduced as a substitute for Jorgen Strand Larsen late in the second half.
Despite Mateta’s return and Palace’s attacking intent, they were unable to break down the Larnaca defense. The visitors, playing under new manager Javi Rozada, proved to be a well-organized and disciplined unit, frustrating Palace’s attempts to find a breakthrough. Palace had chances, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge needed to secure a victory.
The first leg between AZ Alkmaar and Sparta Prague was a clear demonstration of Parrott’s growing importance, not only to his club but also to his national team. His two goals have given AZ Alkmaar a valuable advantage heading into the second leg in Prague, while his form will provide a significant boost to Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. The second leg promises to be a tense affair, with Sparta Prague needing to overturn the one-goal deficit to retain their Conference League dreams alive.
For Crystal Palace, the goalless draw against AEK Larnaca means they must produce a strong performance in the away leg to progress to the quarter-finals. Glasner will need to find a way to unlock the Larnaca defense and secure a positive result in Cyprus. The tie remains delicately poised, and the outcome will likely depend on Palace’s ability to convert their chances and maintain defensive solidity on their travels.