Ismaïla Sarr strike but Zrinjski hold Crystal Palace to 1-1 in conference league tie
Crystal Palace's Conference League hopes were left in the balance after a 1-1 draw at Zrinjski Mostar on Feb 19, 2026 (ET). Ismaïla Sarr's excellent finish just before half-time was cancelled out by Karlo Abramovic early in the second half, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of the return at Selhurst Park on Feb 26, 2026 (ET).
Sarr strike and Palace dominance that didn’t tell
Palace dominated large stretches in Mostar, enjoying more than 70% possession and creating regular pressure on the hosts' goal. The visitors looked on course for a first knockout win in a major European competition when Ismaïla Sarr curled home two minutes before half-time, his third goal of the Conference League campaign. The move began with a clever lay-off from new signing Jørgen Strand Larsen, whose crisp first touch set Sarr up to fire low through a crowd.
Earlier in the half Palace had other openings. Sarr volleyed at the goalkeeper in the opening seven minutes and Adam Wharton had a shot that flashed narrowly past the post. Palace even saw a 12th-minute goal ruled out after Chris Richards, coming from an offside position, supplied the cross that led to the finish. Those missed moments began to define a night in which territorial control failed to convert into a decisive advantage.
Zrinjski response, the equaliser and key turning points
Zrinjski punished Palace’s sloppy start to the second half when Karlo Abramovic rifled a finish into the far corner in the 55th minute after a perfectly-weighted pass from Leo Mikic. The goal arrived nine minutes after the restart and reshaped the tie; Palace had to chase the game for the final half hour.
There were heart-stopping moments for both sides after the leveller. Adam Wharton came agonisingly close to a late winner when he rattled the crossbar from distance, and an unmarked Chris Richards met a corner with a headed chance that flashed wide. Palace also benefited from a scare when Zrinjski spurned a one-on-one opportunity through Mario Cuze and a possible penalty claim involving Daniel Muñoz was dismissed after a VAR check. Dean Henderson, who had been lightly tested early on, was forced into action at times and ultimately could do little about Abramovic’s finish.
Managerial frustration was visible on the Palace touchline as Oliver Glasner’s side failed to convert territorial superiority into a clearcut win. A combination of a disallowed goal, an off-colour spell after half-time, and fine margins at both ends meant the visitors left Bosnia with their advantage nullified.
Looking ahead to the Selhurst Park return
The tie now heads to Selhurst Park on Feb 26, 2026 (ET) with everything to play for. Palace must improve their cutting edge at home if they are to progress; the first-leg pattern suggests they can control matches but have to be more ruthless in the final third. The return leg promises a different test — more expectation, a supportive crowd and less room for error.
Zrinjski will take belief from their recovery in Mostar. The hosts showed they can exploit lapses and punish giveaways, and their ability to capitalise on one key transition will give them confidence heading to London. For Palace, small adjustments — tightening up the midfield turnover that led to the equaliser and finding better delivery into the box — could be decisive.
After a stop-start domestic run and a recent defeat in the Premier League, Palace's European campaign hangs in the balance. The second leg at Selhurst Park on Feb 26, 2026 (ET) will be decisive: a win would put Palace into the next round, while anything less will leave their Conference League ambitions under severe pressure.
