-myKhel Team

Crystal Palace booked a spot in the UEFA Conference League last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Zrinjski at Selhurst Park, completing a 3-1 aggregate success. Maxence Lacroix scored in the first half and Evann Guessand struck deep into stoppage time, as Oliver Glasner’s team controlled a tense second leg.

The result improved Palace’s mixed home record in the competition, after previously taking only one win from three Conference League matches at Selhurst Park, with one draw and one defeat. This time, Palace avoided any late drama, matching their strong performance levels with a scoreline that reflected their dominance.

Palace began with clear intent after the 1-1 draw in the first leg, pushing Zrinjski back from the opening minutes. Early efforts from Evann Guessand and Daichi Kamada were blocked by defenders, yet the pressure grew. The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute from a well-worked dead-ball situation.

Adam Wharton delivered a whipped free-kick from the left, catching Zrinjski’s defence flat-footed. Maxence Lacroix drifted free of any marker and met the cross from close range with a glancing header. The centre-back’s finish finally rewarded Palace’s early superiority and changed the tone of the tie.

Although Palace continued to dictate territory after half-time, Zrinjski briefly threatened to change the tie. Substitute Matej Sakota found the net soon after entering, but the assistant’s flag ruled Karlo Abramovic offside in the build-up. That moment reminded Palace that a single Zrinjski goal could shift the aggregate picture.

Goran Karacic then produced several important saves to keep Zrinjski alive. The goalkeeper denied Guessand from close range and later reacted sharply to block an effort from Sarr. Sarr also headed wide from near the six-yard line, wasting another clear chance as Palace pushed for a clinching second goal.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 93rd minute. Guessand intercepted a loose clearance near the edge of the area, then exchanged passes with Brennan Johnson. After the swift one-two, Guessand drove a low strike beneath Karacic, confirming Palace’s passage and removing any remaining tension inside Selhurst Park.

Underlying numbers backed up Palace’s control across the Crystal Palace Conference League clash. Glasner’s side recorded 14 attempts, generating 2.36 expected goals. Sarr, who scored in the 1-1 first leg, led the attacking output with four shots, worth 0.98 expected goals, and registered a match-high 10 touches inside the opposition penalty area.

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The Conference League tie ended with Palace in a stronger position both statistically and in confidence, following earlier frustrations at home. The 3-1 aggregate win over Zrinjski showcased improved finishing to match sustained pressure, giving Glasner and the squad a solid platform for the upcoming last-16 challenge.