Crystal Palace's Conference League campaign hangs in the balance after a 1-1 draw in Bosnia & Herzegovina against Zrinjski Mostar, making it one win from 15 matches for Oliver Glasner's side.
Of course, the second leg will be hosted at Selhurst Park, and the south Londoners' vociferous supporters will be expecting their side to move confidently through to the last 16 as this latest chapter draws to a close.
The visitors were dominant, but they failed to make that dominance count, with Jorgen Strand Larsen starved for service while still leaving with his head held high.
Strand Larsen's tough night in Bosnia
Strand Larsen arrived at Crystal Palace for a club-record £48m deal at the end of the winter transfer window, having only scored once in the Premier League for lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 25-year-old showcased his hold-up play to tee up Ismaila Sarr for the opener, but there's no doubt it was a frustrating evening.
While he took 32 touches (the Norwegian has averaged 21.8 per Premier League game this season), he failed to get a single shot away, albeit coming close to connecting with some clever runs into the area.
There's no question that Strand Larsen is the real deal, a powerful and intelligent centre-forward who scored 15 goals in the English top flight last season.
And it's a good thing too. Jean-Philippe Mateta is on the way out, only remaining at the club after his winter medical to AC Milan fell through.
Crystal Palace's Jorgen Strand Larsen-1
With that in mind, Eddie Nketiah is in danger of being frozen out, and while Mateta is likely to leave the club during the summer transfer window,
Palace flop looks like the new Nketiah
Nkekiah, 26, joined Crystal Palace from Arsenal in a £40m deal in 2024. The striker played an important utility role at the Emirates, but moved to the Eagles for a greater chance of becoming a key focal point.
However, it's been tough for him, with only two starts in the Premier League and four goals in all competitions this season. The bigger concern? Steve Parish and co might have repeated their same mistake with Brennan Johnson, who is struggling after his £35m move from Tottenham Hotspur in January.
Johnson is versatile and dynamic, capable across the frontline, but he's now nine games deep into his Crystal Palace career, and he's not showing that they are getting bang for their buck at a time when sharpness is required.
On Thursday night, the Wales international flattered to deceive once again, unable to get a shot away and failing to complete either of his two attempted dribbles.
Crystal Palace winger Brennan Johnson
His defensive work was commendable, winning a tackle and two duels, but he lost possession nine times despite only touching the ball 26 times, less than the isolated Strand Larsen at the spearhead.
Johnson didn't have a great night against Zrinjski, but his performance since the start of last season in the Premier League presents a more concerning picture.
Brennan Johnson's Premier League Form
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches*
Shots (on target)*
Big chances missed
Accurate passes*
Chances created*
Succ. dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles*
Duels won*
Data via Sofascore
Fans will be questioning why such a hefty figure was paid for a proven Premier League winger who's thus far unable to influence in the final third, especially when Strand Larsen is already contributing.
In this, he might just be emerging as the latest Nketiah, moving from a top London club after being discarded, and failing to produce the goods.
Johnson is still in the early stage of his Crystal Palace career, and at least there is clarity regarding Glasner, with a change of system and a new focus potentially benefiting Johnson and the wider club.
Eddie Nketiah Crystal Palace
But there's no question he's got his work cut out after a tricky start to life in south London, with it all to do.
Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada Related
Wharton 2.0: Crystal Palace already have Kamada's replacement out on loan
Crystal Palace are gearing up for a summer of sweeping change.