Zrinjski 1-1 Crystal Palace: Ismaila Sarr strike undone as visitors held in first leg

What’s new: crystal palace were held to a 1-1 draw by Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their Conference League play-off, with Ismaila Sarr scoring before Karlo Abramovic equalised early in the second half; the tie returns to Selhurst Park on 26 February.

Crystal Palace — What happened and what’s new

Crystal Palace dominated possession for the majority of the match, holding more than 70% of the ball, but were unable to turn control into a decisive advantage and left Bosnia and Herzegovina with a 1-1 scoreline. Ismaila Sarr gave the visitors the lead in the 43rd minute after a deft touch from Jorgen Strand Larsen set him up; the goal took Sarr to three in this season’s competition. Zrinjski responded in the 55th minute when Karlo Abramovic drilled a low finish past Dean Henderson to level the tie.

The match featured a tense late sequence when an alleged handball led to a VAR check for a possible penalty; no penalty was given. Palace also had an earlier goal disallowed for an offside involving a cross from Chris Richards. Manager Oliver Glasner named a strong line-up following an eight-day break between fixtures, with Adam Wharton, Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen all starting. Adam Wharton came close late on when his long-range effort hit the crossbar.

Behind the headline

The draw continued a difficult run for the travelling side, which has won only one of its last 15 matches across all competitions. Despite territorial control and clear attacking intent — highlighted by early chances for Sarr and Wharton and extended periods of pressure — the visitors’ finishing and a sloppy spell early in the second half allowed Zrinjski to restore parity.

Key match events and contributors from the game include the opener from Sarr, the equaliser by Abramovic following a turnover created by a misplaced pass from Wharton, and a defensive scramble that produced a VAR check late on. Dean Henderson faced a few scares but remained the final line that prevented further damage, while the hosts had at least one notable miss that could have swung the tie further in their favour.

What we still don’t know

• Whether any players picked up injuries during the match that will affect selection for the second leg.
• The final fitness and availability of any squad members following the game-day break.
• How the manager will adjust tactics at Selhurst Park in response to the second-half lapse.
• Whether disciplinary reviews or additional match-day decisions (beyond the VAR check) will alter the record of the tie.

What happens next

• Home recovery: Crystal Palace regroup and produce a clearer attacking performance at Selhurst Park, converting possession into early goals and advancing to the next round — triggered by improved finishing and a tighter start.
• Narrow escape: The second leg is tight and the tie is decided by small margins — a late goal, set-piece, or a single defensive error — sending either side through.
• Momentum shift for Zrinjski: The hosts use the draw as a platform and frustrate the visitors again, claiming an upset at Selhurst Park and progressing on aggregate if Palace fail to correct the second-half slackness.
• Injury or suspension impact: Any midweek personnel changes due to injury or disciplinary action could materially alter selection and tactics for the return leg.

Why it matters

For crystal palace the draw leaves the tie finely balanced rather than controlled; possession advantages did not translate into the decisive margin needed away from home, so the club must find greater cutting edge at Selhurst Park. The result also underlines mounting pressure from a broader run of form that includes only one win in 15 matches, increasing the significance of the return fixture for short-term momentum.

Near-term implications include selection and tactical adjustments ahead of the 26 February return at Selhurst Park (kick-off scheduled for 3: 00 PM ET), and an intensified focus on converting dominance into goals. The VAR check and the disallowed goal are likely to frame discussions about game management and concentration in key moments, and the match offers a litmus test for whether the side can translate possession into knockout success in this competition.