Crystal Palace’s European ambitions take a hit with draw against Zrinjski Mostar
Crystal Palace’s European ambitions are now hanging by a thread following a frustrating 1-1 stalemate against Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnia during the Conference League knockout phase play-off first leg, reports BritPanorama.
Oliver Glasner’s side, who had bolstered their forward options during the January transfer window, delivered yet another underwhelming performance that leaves their continental campaign in jeopardy. The Eagles, previously considered among the favourites to lift the trophy, must now produce a significantly improved showing at Selhurst Park next week to progress.
Their domestic struggles continued before this European fixture, following a 3-2 loss to Wolves in their most recent Premier League outing. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, converting a low strike through a crowded penalty area after receiving a lay-off from Jorgen Strand Larsen, the club’s record January acquisition at £48 million. Sarr had earlier seen an effort ruled out for offside during an opening period where Palace created several half-chances without truly threatening.
However, the visitors surrendered their advantage 10 minutes into the second half when Adam Wharton carelessly surrendered possession in the middle of the park. Zrinjski capitalised swiftly as Leo Mikic released Karlo Abramovic, who powered his finish beyond Dean Henderson into the far corner to level proceedings. Palace came agonisingly close to restoring their lead; Wharton’s effort crashed against the crossbar with roughly twenty minutes left on the clock.
Yeremy Pino also tested goalkeeper Goran Karacic, who pushed his shot around the post, while Chris Richards failed to direct a header on target. The Bosnian hosts squandered a golden opportunity when Mario Cuze found himself bearing down on Henderson but prodded his attempt wide of the right upright. Earlier in the match, Antonio Ivancic had wasted a clear-cut chance for Zrinjski just moments before Sarr’s breakthrough.
As the closing stages brought further anxiety for the travelling Palace contingent, the referee was summoned to review a potential penalty for handball against Daniel Munoz. The Colombian defender had become entangled between Henderson and Zrinjski’s Memija during an aerial challenge, with the hosts initially convinced they had been awarded a spot-kick. After consulting the pitchside monitor, the official determined that Munoz had committed no offence, allowing Palace to escape with a share of the spoils.
Now, Glasner’s men must deliver a vastly improved display at Selhurst Park to keep their European aspirations alive. In the high stakes of knockout football, the margin for error narrows sharply, and failure to capitalize on home advantage could see them prematurely exit a competition once viewed as their pathway to continental respectability.
