Crystal Palace advanced to the Carabao Cup fourth round with a convincing performance against Middlesbrough, as Jørgen Strand Larsen’s headed double and Daichi Kamada’s late lob settled an entertaining contest at Selhurst Park.
Pierre Sage made eight changes for his first domestic English cup match, with seven summer arrivals included in the starting XI. Eighteen-year-old Honest Ahanor made his Palace debut, while Óscar Mingueza, Ben Chilwell and Darío Osorio were handed their first competitive starts. The selection followed Palace’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Palace created the clearer opportunities during an open first half. Yéremy Pino was denied by Sol Brynn after Osorio’s direct run helped create the opening, while another effort from Pino was kept out by an excellent save. Middlesbrough threatened at times, but Palace took the lead in the 37th minute when Mingueza delivered from the left and Strand Larsen guided a header into the bottom corner.
The visitors remained competitive after the interval, but Palace extended their advantage when Chilwell supplied a precise cross for Strand Larsen to meet with a powerful header. Walter Benítez was called upon to deal with a low effort from Aidan Morris, yet the Eagles retained their two-goal cushion as Strand Larsen continued to influence the match.
Kamada completed the scoring late on in memorable fashion. Strand Larsen released the Japan international with a clever reverse pass, and Kamada lifted an outstanding lob over Brynn and into the far corner. The result secured back-to-back victories for Palace and confirmed their place in the fourth round.
