Palace advance despite early tension
Crystal Palace reached the Conference League last 16 after a 2-0 win over Zrinjski Mostar in the second leg (3-1 aggregate). Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand scored to make it a harmonious evening for Oliver Glasner after last week’s hostile reception in Bosnia.
Glasner reflected on the “noise” around his side: “There is so much noise, sometimes we really don’t understand it, but maybe I gave some interviews that were not really helpful, I have to admit.” He referenced his post-first-leg comments telling fans to “stay humble” and admitted he had to express himself or “explode”. “If I feel something, I have to say it. Then I have to face the shitstorm. Everything I say and do is for the best of Crystal Palace.”
The club rejected a request from the Holmesdale Fanatics to turn off pre-match music so they could “back the team during warm-up”, citing UEFA rules. A large group of travelling supporters created atmosphere despite empty seats in home sections. The group displayed messages like “40 quid? Palace fans fleeced = empty seats” during the first half.
Early dominance and set-piece breakthrough
The game started with chances. Jørgen Strand Larsen’s shot deflected wide early. Zrinjski’s Goran Karacic saved well from Ortuño after a corner and Luismi from distance.
Palace dominated but struggled to break down a brave defence. Guessand missed a chance after a mix-up between Karacic and Igor Savic, and Daichi Kamada’s shot was blocked.
Defending set pieces has been a weakness this season, but Adam Wharton’s pinpoint free-kick was headed in by Lacroix. The England midfielder showed quality despite recent fatigue signs. Wharton was later withdrawn after a yellow card warning for a high boot. Glasner joked: “Him and Will Hughes are rotating themselves by fouling too much.”
Ismaïla Sarr headed over from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross as Palace’s issue against low blocks returned. Chris Richards missed two close chances from Kamada free-kicks.
Zrinjski had a goal ruled out for offside with 25 minutes left. Palace created chances but Guessand saw his shot saved and Sarr missed two easier opportunities.
In injury time Tomi Juric headed over for Zrinjski before Guessand finally sealed it late to send Palace through.
They will face either AEK Larnaca (whom they lost to in the group stages) or Mainz in the last 16. The win ends a turbulent period and gives Glasner breathing room after recent fan unrest.
