Mateta’s Strike Gives Crystal Palace First-Leg Edge in Conference Playoff

Published: 22 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Crystal Palace marked a historic night in their football journey as they claimed victory in their maiden appearance in European competition, edging past Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff. A solitary goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta ensured Palace carry an advantage into the decisive return leg, though the contest remains finely poised.

The buildup to this match had been overshadowed by uncertainty, not only over which European tournament Palace would ultimately enter but also by the unexpected absence of Eberechi Eze. The England international, who is closing in on a record £67.5 million transfer to Arsenal, informed manager Oliver Glasner on the morning of the game that illness would prevent him from playing. It was a significant blow, given Eze’s influence on the side, and forced late reshuffling on what was already a momentous evening for the South London club.

Despite that setback, Palace eventually rose to the occasion, spurred on by a passionate home crowd. The opening 45 minutes were marked by frustration as Fredrikstad, making their return to continental competition after domestic success in Norway, defended with discipline and numbers. Palace struggled to find the incisiveness needed to break down their compact five-man defence. Marc Guéhi’s wayward attempt and a speculative effort from distance epitomised their difficulties, while goalkeeper Martin Børsheim dealt comfortably with Mateta’s early strike.

Momentum began to shift midway through the half when Mateta struck the post and Ismaïla Sarr’s header was clawed away in a moment of alarm for the visitors. Palace’s pressing and territorial dominance intensified, though the breakthrough still eluded them by half-time. Glasner’s visible frustration was clear as he made his way down the tunnel, knowing that his team needed a sharper edge.

The second half brought more urgency. Youngster Justin Devenny, thrust into the demanding task of replacing Eze, missed a golden opportunity when he headed over from Guéhi’s cross. The breakthrough finally came when Mateta showed sharp instincts, cleverly redirecting a wayward volley from Will Hughes into the net, easing the tension inside Selhurst Park. From that point, Palace pressed for a second to give themselves a stronger cushion for the away leg. Borna Sosa, impressive on his full debut, went close with a rising effort, while Daniel Muñoz struck the post and Guéhi again went near from a set-piece. Yet Fredrikstad held firm, threatening briefly in stoppage time when substitute Henrik Skogvold dragged a chance wide.

The night was not without its reminders of the wider turbulence surrounding Palace’s European campaign. Their place in the Conference League came only after being denied entry into the Europa League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, a decision that had angered fans and led to protests against former investor John Textor and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. The booing of the competition’s anthem before kick-off underlined lingering discontent among supporters, though the fervour of the Holmesdale End also reflected pride at seeing their team compete on the continental stage for the first time since the Intertoto Cup of 1998.

For Glasner, who has previously lifted the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, the result represents progress but also a warning. Palace remain in a precarious position, travelling to Norway next week to face a Fredrikstad side more than halfway through their domestic season and with the advantage of an artificial surface. The lack of depth on Palace’s bench, highlighted by Glasner’s decision not to introduce January signing Romain Esse, only strengthened his call for reinforcements before the close of the transfer window.

Still, Mateta’s goal has given Palace a valuable lead and a foundation to build upon. For a club often beset by unpredictability, their European debut was not without its challenges, but the result leaves them firmly in control of their destiny as they chase a place in the group stages of UEFA’s third-tier competition.