Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner celebrates his team’s Conference League qualification, secured with a 1-0 aggregate win over Fredrikstad. Glasner praises his players’ defensive resilience and acknowledges the challenges overcome. The team now looks forward to the group stage draw and a Premier League match against Aston Villa.
Oliver Glasner couldn't hide his elation as he branded Crystal Palace's Conference League qualification “a huge achievement” following their hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over Fredrikstad. The second leg of their qualifier in Norway ended in a goalless draw, but Jean-Philippe Mateta’s decisive goal from the first leg proved to be the golden ticket for the Eagles, securing their passage into the group stage of the competition.
The atmosphere is buzzing around Selhurst Park as fans eagerly await Friday's Conference League draw, where Palace will discover their group stage opponents. The competition is set to kick off on Thursday, October 2, promising thrilling European nights under the lights. However, before Palace can fully immerse themselves in their continental adventure, they have a crucial Premier League encounter against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Eagles will be determined to secure their first league victory of the campaign, having played out frustrating draws in their opening matches against Chelsea (0-0) and Nottingham Forest (1-1).
Adding to the excitement, Crystal Palace F.C. shared a celebratory message on Twitter, stating, "Our European tour continues," accompanied by an image that encapsulates the team's triumphant journey. This victory marks a significant milestone for the club, highlighting their ambition and progress under Glasner's guidance.
Our European tour continues pic.twitter.com/AwGx8b9N0b
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 28, 2025
Glasner, visibly proud, heaped praise on his players following their historic qualification. “It’s a huge achievement going into the group stage. It was our second go, with the first being winning the Community Shield, and now today, of course,” he remarked. He acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly after being demoted to the Conference League. “There was all the noise with us being demoted to the Conference League, playing two games against opposition who aren’t easy to play. We conceded so many long balls, and they bring their game into the final third quite easily, but we just had to accept it.”
In a game where Fredrikstad desperately sought to overturn the deficit and seize the initiative, Crystal Palace displayed remarkable defensive resilience and tactical discipline. They successfully limited the hosts to a meager 0.35 expected goals (xG), showcasing their ability to absorb pressure and maintain their advantage.
Glasner emphasized the importance of their defensive solidity, stating, “The players did really well, and defended the box excellently. We know we can and have to play better in possession, but after all it is important to be in the group stage and this is what we did.” His words reflected a pragmatic approach, prioritizing the result while acknowledging the need for further improvement in their overall gameplay.
Crystal Palace's journey to the Conference League group stage is a testament to their hard work, determination, and tactical acumen. Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, the team has shown tremendous progress, both domestically and in Europe. As they prepare to face Aston Villa in the Premier League, the Eagles will carry the momentum from their European triumph, aiming to soar to new heights and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
The qualification for the Conference League group stage not only provides Crystal Palace with an opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in Europe but also offers a platform to showcase their talent and attract new fans. The club's participation in the competition will undoubtedly generate excitement and enthusiasm among supporters, creating a vibrant atmosphere at Selhurst Park and beyond. As the countdown to the group stage draw begins, Crystal Palace fans can dare to dream of European glory and look forward to a season filled with unforgettable moments.