Crystal Palace’s first ever European knockout game saw the South Londoners travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for their UEFAConference League**** play off clash with HŠK Zrinjski Mostar.
Palace thought they had found an early lead within the first 15 minutes as Ismaila Sarr found the back of the net. However, this was ruled out for offside.
Senegalese man Sarr would eventually open the scoring on the 44th minute and this time his goal would stand.
Ismaila Sarr celebrates with Jorgen Strand Larsen. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
But ten minutes after the break Karlo Abramovic would grab the equaliser finding the bottom corner after a misplaced Adam Wharton pass in the central third.
Mostar had a few other promising chances and could have even had a penalty after the referee went to the monitor in the closing stages to check a possible hand ball by Daniel Munoz.
But the referee stuck to his original decision and the tie is level at the halfway point.
The Eagles have endured a fair share of results this season in the Premier League, FA Cup and Conference League which some may view as rather humiliating.
Despite a European demotion, Palace went into the season with reason to be optimistic after two trophy wins with the FA Cup and Community Shield.
However, it appears hope has been lost with Palace on a run of just one win in 15.
**Oliver Glasner**’s side entered the Conference League as favourites but could not secure automatic qualification to the knockouts after losses against **Larnaca**and Strasbourg and a draw to KuPS Kuopio. Palace will have work to do at Selhurst Park if they are to make the round of 16.
Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace. (Photo by Filip Filipovic/Getty Images)
Like with losses to Everton and Manchester United, Palace took the lead against Strasbourg before going on to lose 2-1.
In the last two months Palace have also lost to all three clubs that were promoted to the topflight last season. A 4-1 loss to **Leeds,**a 2-1 loss to **Sunderland**and a 3-2 loss to **Burnley**after going 2-0 up with three goals conceded in seven minutes.
This is without mentioning the FA Cup defence where Palace crashed out to Macclesfield FC. At the time of the clash the Silkmen sat 117 places below Crystal Palace.
It is never a promising sign when fans sing *“you are getting sacked in the morning.*” What makes it even worse is when it is being sung by your own fanbase.
The Palace faithful were also booing the group and singing “we want Glasner out.”
Oliver Glasner. (Photo by Filip Filipovic/Getty Images)
It has been quite some change since the last time Palace played in Europe away from home against **Shelbourne**in Ireland on the 11th December.
Palace won 3-0 that day and maybe should have scored more.
But since then, just the one win has been managed, a 1-0 victory against t rivals **Brighton**1-0.
Glasner will always be Palace’s most successful manager for winning two trophies and achieving European qualification.
However, before January’s loss to Sunderland, Glasner spoke to the media announcing he would leave the club at the end of his contract.
After the game he went on to say that he feels ‘abandoned’ by the club’s owners with star players Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi both sold the day before a game.
Marc Guehi. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images)
Many felt that comment and post-match press conference would be the end of Glasner however Palace’s hierarchy have kept their trust in the Austrian.
Since Shelbourne in December, Glasner has lost his captain Guehi and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta expressed a desire to leave the club while also playing through a knee problem.
Things do not seem to be getting any better in South London, but it remains to be seen whether there will be any change before the end of the season.
Centre back woes
Crystal Palace did not land a Marc Guehi replacement in January.
The club captain was sold to Manchester City for £20m following injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
Guehi’s contract that he signed in July 2021 was set to expire at the end of the season.
However, Palace were boosted by **Chadi Riad**’s return from injury.
The Moroccan’s first season and a half in London was halted because of long-term ACL and MCL injuries.
Against Mostar, Maxence Lacroix picked up an injury and was forced off the pitch, and this is not promising as Palace are now left with teenager Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards and Riad.
Maxence Lacroix. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Jefferson Lerma has played in the back three but is set to be out for the next few weeks.
Strand Larsen impressive
Despite Palace not being able to score a second after going ahead, record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen played a good game yet again.
Having been benched at **Wolves**many wondered if he would be worth paying £48m for after a dismal start to the season with one goal in 22 games.
But the Norwegian has had a promising start to life in London.
The striker grabbed an assist for Sarr’s goal taking his count to two goals and one assist in three games for Palace.
Jorgen Strand Larsen. (Photo by Filip Filipovic/Getty Images)