Crystal Palace booked their place in the Conference League last 16 after overcoming Bosnian outfit Zrinjski at Selhurst Park.
The London side, playing in Europe for the first time after lifting the FA Cup in 2024-25, had returned from Mostar with a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Back on home soil, however, they were in control throughout and rarely looked troubled.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute. Adam Wharton delivered a precise free kick from near the left flank, and Maxence Lacroix rose inside the box to nod home from close range.
Palace created numerous opportunities before the interval and beyond, with Evann Guessand denied by a save and Ismaila Sarr failing to convert promising openings. Guessand eventually wrapped up the contest in stoppage time, firing a firm low effort into the corner to complete a 2-0 victory on the night and a 3-1 aggregate success.
Oliver Glasner’s men will now face either Mainz of Germany or the Cyprus side Larnaca, hosting the opening leg on Thursday, 12 March, before travelling a week later.
European run offers hope in turbulent campaign
The triumph adds another chapter to an eventful year for Palace.
Their FA Cup final win over Manchester City in May delivered the club’s first major honour. They followed that achievement by defeating Premier League champions Liverpool on penalties to claim the Community Shield.
Away from the pitch, matters proved more complicated. A failed legal bid to remain in the Europa League saw Palace shifted into the Conference League due to a breach of multi-club ownership regulations.
There were also key departures and uncertainty. Eberechi Eze, scorer of the cup final winner, moved to Arsenal. Captain Marc Guehi came close to joining Liverpool before the transfer collapsed because Palace was unable to secure a replacement.
Challenges remain despite bright prospects
The demands of a packed fixture list have tested the squad, with this match marking their 43rd outing of the season. Eleven Premier League games remain, along with the possibility of seven more European ties.
Between December and early winter, Palace endured a 12-game spell without victory. In January, Glasner announced he would depart at the end of the campaign, coinciding with Guehi’s completed transfer to Manchester City. The manager later stated he felt the squad had been “abandoned completely” by the club’s leadership.
Top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta nearly joined AC Milan during the January window but failed a medical because of a knee issue. Despite the instability, Palace sits 13th in the Premier League, 10 points clear of the relegation places, and remains among the favourites to lift the Conference League trophy.
Against Zrinjski, the margin might have been greater. Jorgen Strand Larsen and Daichi Kamada both saw attempts deflected wide, while Guessand and Sarr also threatened. Dean Henderson was largely untested, with the visitors’ best opportunity arriving in the 91st minute when Tomi Juric headed off target.
Whoever awaits in the next round is unlikely to intimidate Palace. Mainz are 13th in the Bundesliga, and Larnaca managed seven goals in six league-phase matches, although they did defeat the Eagles 1-0 in October. For now, Glasner remains in charge as Palace chases further history in a season marked by upheaval and ambition.
