Zrinjski Vs Crystal Palace: Sarr Strike Stands as Palace Left Frustrated in 1-1 First Leg

The first leg between Zrinjski and Crystal Palace ended 1-1 in a match that left the visitors frustrated. Zrinjski Vs Crystal Palace produced a tense contest in which Ismaila Sarr’s goal before half-time was cancelled out by a second-half equaliser, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of the return at Selhurst Park.

Zrinjski Vs Crystal Palace: match timeline and key moments

Crystal Palace dominated possession for much of the game, enjoying more than 70% control of the ball, and had early opportunities to take the lead. An initial Palace goal in the first half was ruled out for offside after a cross from a defender led to a finish in the box. Palace eventually broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time when a crisp touch from a new arrival set up Ismaila Sarr to curl home, taking his tally to three goals in this season's competition.

Ten minutes into the second half Zrinjski punished a sloppy start from the visitors. A strong run and a drilled finish brought the hosts level, and the balance of the tie shifted. Palace had to withstand a late penalty scare when a defender found himself involved in an aerial challenge that led to a VAR check for an alleged handball; the referee declined to award a spot-kick.

Why the draw matters: Palace form, opportunities missed and what comes next

The draw arrives amid a difficult run for Palace, who have won one of their last 15 matches across all competitions. Despite territorial control and several promising moments — including a long-range effort that rattled the crossbar in the final 20 minutes — the visitors failed to convert dominance into a decisive advantage. The manager was able to field a strong starting line-up featuring recent signings and established players, but individual errors in the second half proved costly.

Looking ahead, the tie remains finely balanced. The second leg takes place at Selhurst Park on 26 February (20: 00 GMT), where Palace will need a more clinical display to secure progression. For Zrinjski, the away goal and the second-half response provide belief that they can make Selhurst Park a difficult place for the Premier League side.

Standout players and moments to watch in the return leg

• Ismaila Sarr: Scored the opener and moved to three goals in the competition; his contribution remains central to Palace’s attacking hopes.
• Palace midfield: Early control yielded chances but a turnover in midfield directly led to the hosts’ equaliser.
• VAR intervention: A late handball check created a tense finish; with the referee rejecting a penalty, Palace escaped a potentially decisive blow.
• Set-piece and counter opportunities: Zrinjski’s second-half goal stemmed from a strong transitional move, underlining the need for Palace to tighten possession and decision-making in dangerous areas.

Recent coverage painted the result as frustrating for the visitors and encouraging for Zrinjski. The tie will be settled in the return at Selhurst Park, where both sides must address the issues exposed in the first leg: Palace must turn dominance into clear scoring chances, while Zrinjski can take confidence from having found a way back into the contest. Details may evolve as teams prepare for the decisive second leg.