Zrinjski Vs Crystal Palace: Sarr strike cancelled out as Palace held 1-1 in Conference League first leg

Crystal Palace's trip to Bosnia ended in a 1-1 draw as Ismaïla Sarr put the visitors ahead before Zrinjski Mostar equalised in the second half, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return at Selhurst Park. The match between zrinjski vs crystal palace featured a late VAR penalty check and saw Palace dominate possession but fail to turn control into a decisive advantage.

Zrinjski Vs Crystal Palace — What happened and what’s new

In the first leg of the Conference League play-off, Crystal Palace took the lead two minutes before half-time when Ismaïla Sarr finished after a lay-off by Jørgen Strand Larsen, bringing his total to three goals in this season's competition. Palace enjoyed more than 70% possession but were unable to protect that advantage after the break. Ten minutes into the second half, Karlo Abramovic drilled an equaliser past Dean Henderson after a turnover following a pass from Adam Wharton.

The match included tense late moments: Palace survived a VAR check for an alleged handball that might have led to a penalty. The tie will be decided in the second leg at Selhurst Park on 26 February at 3: 00 PM ET.

Behind the headline

What led here: Palace entered the match after an eight-day gap between fixtures, allowing manager Oliver Glasner to name a strong starting XI that included Adam Wharton, Brennan Johnson and new signing Jørgen Strand Larsen. The visitors began brightly, creating early chances and even finding the net earlier in the half before an offside flag disallowed what would have been another Sarr goal.

Key dynamics and incentives: Palace dominated possession and territory but were unable to convert sustained control into a match-winning performance. The hosts capitalised on a momentary lapse from Palace shortly after half-time, converting a counter chance into the equaliser. A late VAR intervention over a potential handball added drama and left the tie level rather than settled.

Stakeholders and leverage:

• Crystal Palace: seeks a decisive home performance in the return leg to progress in the competition and to arrest a poor recent run of results; the squad and manager have leverage in setting the tie back at Selhurst Park.
• Zrinjski Mostar: secured a valuable away goal in the second half and leave with momentum and belief going into the second leg.
• Individuals of note: Ismaïla Sarr, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Adam Wharton on the Palace side; Karlo Abramovic and Leo Mikic for Zrinjski.

What we still don’t know

• Whether any disciplinary action or formal protest will follow from the late VAR penalty check (still developing).
• The fitness status of any players ahead of the second leg and whether the line-up will change.
• How tactical adjustments will be made by either manager for the Selhurst Park return.

What happens next

• Palace consolidate at home and progress: Palace win the second leg at Selhurst Park, overturning the draw and advancing in the competition; trigger — a stronger, more clinical attacking display that converts possession into goals.
• Zrinjski exploit the away goal and advance: Zrinjski secure a favorable result at Selhurst Park and reach the next round; trigger — an organised defensive display and success on the counter or from set pieces.
• Tie goes to extra time/penalties: The second leg remains tight and requires extra time or a penalty shootout to decide the winner; trigger — continued difficulty for Palace in turning dominance into clear chances and Zrinjski maintaining a compact defensive shape.
• Late controversy affects outcome: Further VAR or referee decisions influence the second leg’s direction; trigger — marginal incidents that prompt review in the match-deciding moments.

Why it matters

For Crystal Palace, the draw extends a run of poor form — the side have won one of their last 15 games across all competitions — and places pressure on the team to produce a convincing home performance to avoid an early exit from European competition. For Zrinjski, salvaging a draw against a Premier League opponent offers both a morale boost and a realistic path to progress. In the near term, fans and club strategists will focus on selection, tactical tweaks and game management ahead of the 26 February return at Selhurst Park.