Crystal Palace defeated Fredrikstad 1-0 in the first leg of their Conference League play-off, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the decisive goal. The match was Palace’s first European fixture in some time, but they were relegated to the Conference League due to UEFA regulations regarding multi-club ownership. While the Eagles will feel they should have secured a larger lead, Mateta’s performance was a bright spot, and they head to Norway with a narrow advantage.
Crystal Palace secured a slender 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off at Selhurst Park, thanks to a solitary goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. The win marks Palace’s first foray into European competition for some time, though it comes with the caveat of being in the third-tier tournament following a UEFA decision regarding ownership complexities.
The Eagles, FA Cup winners from the previous season, were initially slated for the Europa League. However, UEFA ruled in March that American businessman John Textor held controlling or influential positions in both Crystal Palace and Lyon, violating regulations regarding multi-club ownership. This demotion forced Oliver Glasner’s side to compete for a spot in the Conference League, a challenge they began on Thursday night against their Norwegian opponents.
The match began cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out. Crystal Palace struggled to find their rhythm early on, with Mateta not registering their first shot on target until the 20th minute. Adam Wharton followed shortly after, but his attempt was easily saved by the Fredrikstad goalkeeper, Martin Borsheim. The first half saw Palace gradually increase the pressure, with Mateta proving a constant threat. He was unlucky to see a powerful, first-time effort crash against the right upright. The home side continued to push, and a goal-bound header from Ismaila Sarr was parried by Borsheim, requiring Solomon Owusu to clear the rebound off the line.
The second half saw a slightly more energetic start from Fredrikstad, with Justin Devenny heading a chance wastefully wide. However, the breakthrough finally arrived for Crystal Palace in the 55th minute. A well-delivered volley from Will Hughes found Mateta, who expertly nodded the ball past Borsheim, sending the Selhurst Park crowd into raptures.
Palace continued to search for a second goal to solidify their advantage. Daniel Munoz was unfortunate to see his header from a pinpoint Jefferson Lerma cross also strike the right upright. Fredrikstad, spurred on by the need to avoid a significant first-leg deficit, mounted a late attack. Henrik Skogvold fired a shot wide, demonstrating their intent to take something back to Norway for the return leg.
Despite the late pressure from the visitors, Crystal Palace held on to their 1-0 lead. While a larger margin of victory would have been ideal, the result provides a positive foundation for next week’s crucial second leg in Norway. The performance highlighted Mateta’s importance to the team, particularly in the absence of Eberechi Eze, who is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Arsenal.
Data Debrief: Mateta Leads the Charge
Jean-Philippe Mateta was undoubtedly the focal point of Palace’s attack. He registered three shots in total, with two on target and one hitting the post – more than any other player on the pitch. Marc Guehi and Borna Sosa were the next most prolific shooters, each with two attempts. Mateta also contributed creatively, creating two chances for his teammates. Guehi, Lerma, and Hughes also created three chances each, showcasing a collective effort in the final third.
First part of the journey complete 🚀pic.twitter.com/k4GSqXa31m
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 21, 2025