If there were any doubts about Jean-Philippe Mateta's commitment to the Crystal Palace cause after his failed January departure, they can be pushed aside for now.
The Eagles are in uncharted territory in European competition, and the sight of flags, banners and a barrage of white streamers as the players entered the pitch only added to the sense of occasion.
After a campaign that has teetered on the edge of crisis on several occasions, a quarter-final tie against a Fiorentina side who have reached the semi-finals in each of the past three seasons could have been a step too far.
But Mateta's bullish first-half performance summed up a Palace display far removed from the laboured outings typical of their campaign.
Before tonight Palace had missed 36 of their 46 big chances in the competition, more than any other side, and had scored only 16 goals from an xG rating of 23.1, the greatest underperformance of any team.
But on Thursday Oliver Glasner's side scored when they needed to – twice when dominant in the first half and then late on to kill off a resurgent fight back.
Glasner has drawn plenty of criticism from Palace fans in recent months, but he should take credit for bringing Daniel Munoz into the XI and introducing Yeremy Pino midway through the second half.
Munoz provided much-needed width and quality from the right flank, while Pino's energy and drive helped Palace reestablish the press that had Fiorentina hanging on before the break.
Palace rode their luck at times, but three more performances of that ilk should see them reach a first European final in club history.
