Key Takeaways:
- Crystal Palace managed only a 1-1 draw with Zrinjski in their maiden European knockout fixture
- The Eagles have now secured just one victory in their last 15 outings
- The second leg of this UEFA Conference League playoff will be held at Selhurst Park next week
Match Analysis
Crystal Palace endured further frustration on Thursday night, drawing 1-1 against Zrinjski in the opening leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff. The result prolongs the Eagles’ difficult run, as they have now emerged victorious just once across their past 15 encounters.
Taking to the pitch for their first-ever match in European knockout football, Palace began assertively and were quick to create chances. Ismaïla Sarr burst through the Zrinjski backline early and drew a strong save from Goran Karacic. The rebound presented Adam Wharton with an opportunity, but he failed to hit the target as he launched the ball over the bar.
Oliver Glasner’s men thought they had claimed the advantage shortly after when Sarr slotted home following Chris Richards’ persistence in the box. However, celebrations were cut short; Richards had wandered offside earlier in the move, and the flag was duly raised.
It ends level in Bosnia. pic.twitter.com/lV9fk0nj6g
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 19, 2026
Key Moments and Player Performances
Zrinjski spent much of the opening half absorbing pressure from their visitors. Yet despite their defensive posture, the Bosnian side generated the best chance of the half. A hopeful cross was flicked down by Mario Cuze to Antonio Ivancic, but with the goal at his mercy, Ivancic sent his first-time shot well over the crossbar.
The hosts were left to regret that squandered opportunity moments before half-time. Following a well-judged lay-off from Jorgen Strand Larsen, Sarr curled in a strike from the edge of the area, finding the far corner to put Palace in front at the interval.
The London club’s advantage was short-lived. Less than ten minutes into the second period, a wayward pass in midfield was seized upon by Leo Mikic. He advanced before teeing up Karlo Abramovic, who fired a pinpoint effort into the far corner and drew Zrinjski level.
Late Drama and Remaining Fixture
Buoyed by their equaliser, Zrinjski threatened again when Cuze broke clear of the Palace defenders. However, prolonged hesitation allowed Palace to recover, forcing Cuze to mishit his chance. The visitors sought a late winner, coming closest when Adam Wharton struck the crossbar and Chris Richards missed with an unchallenged header from close range.
In the final stages, Matej Sakota required Dean Henderson’s intervention with a powerful effort for the hosts. Zrinjski appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Daniel Munoz’s hand in the box, but following an extensive review at the pitchside monitor, play resumed with no spot kick awarded.
The resulting extended stoppage time produced no decisive moment, setting up a finely-balanced tie with all to play for in next week’s second leg at Selhurst Park.
