Zrinjski hold Crystal Palace to 1-1 in Conference League first leg
Zrinjski forced a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg at Selhurst Park on 26 February (3: 00 PM ET). Ismaila Sarr gave Palace the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Karlo Abramovic's 55th-minute strike levelled the tie, and the visitors survived a late penalty check by VAR.
Zrinjski frustrate Palace despite heavy possession
Crystal Palace controlled the ball for more than 70% of the match, creating pressure and several chances, but were unable to convert sustained dominance into a match-winning advantage. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring two minutes before half-time after a set-up touch from Jorgen Strand Larsen, taking his season tally in the competition to three goals. Palace had an earlier goal waved off when a teammate came from an offside position to supply the assist.
Zrinjski responded in the second half when Karlo Abramovic punished a loose pass to drill home in the 55th minute, capitalising on a strong run from Leo Mikic. The Bosnian hosts defended well enough to keep Palace at bay thereafter and even forced a late VAR check over an alleged handball that might have awarded a penalty — a scare Palace ultimately escaped. The draw leaves the tie poised for a decisive second leg.
Palace's European tour, travel and form concerns
The trip to Mostar marks Palace's fifth European away day of the campaign, following earlier matches in Norway, Poland, France and the Republic of Ireland. The squad has already logged 5, 386 miles on their travels this season as they pursue progression in the competition. A win over two legs would set Palace up for a Round of 16 clash with either AEK Larnaca or Mainz 05.
Form is a looming concern for Palace: the side have won one of their last 15 matches across all competitions. Manager selection showed intent, with a strong XI that included Adam Wharton, Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen, but that strength did not translate into a clearcut victory. Wharton had a long-range effort that hit the crossbar late on as Palace searched for a decisive goal.
What the numbers and betting markets suggest
Crystal Palace entered the play-offs having finished 10th in the Conference League table, meaning they must contest this play-off round rather than progressing directly to later stages. Their opponents, Zrinjski, finished 23rd and only reached this stage thanks to a dramatic 93rd-minute own goal on the final matchday of the group phase. On paper that contrast suggested a straightforward tie for Palace, but the first-leg scoreline in Mostar underlined how fragile that expectation was in practice.
One popular market ahead of the match backed Ismaila Sarr to score anytime. Sarr had scored in this competition already and was highlighted as a player capable of making an impact if given opportunities. With the tie level heading into the return fixture at Selhurst Park on 26 February (3: 00 PM ET), attention will turn to whether Palace can turn possession and attacking intent into the goals needed to advance.
The two-legged format now hands the initiative to neither side. Zrinjski will take encouragement from cancelling out Palace's lead and forcing a late VAR intervention, while Palace must address finishing and composure to avoid further surprises when they host the second leg. The upcoming match at Selhurst Park will decide which team progresses to the next phase of the competition.
