Crystal Palace were held to a 1-1 draw by Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off tie at Stadion Bijeli Brijeg. Ismaila Sarr gave the visitors the lead just before half-time, but Karlo Abramovic equalised early in the second half. The result leaves the tie poised ahead of the return leg at Selhurst Park.
The match took place on February 19, 2026, with kick-off at 17:45 GMT. Zrinjski Mostar, playing at home, lined up with Karacic in goal, defended by Vranjkovic, Barisic, Dujmovic, and Mamic, with Djurasek, Savic, Abramovic, Ivanocic, Mikic, and Cuze completing the starting XI. Crystal Palace's starting lineup featured Henderson in goal, a backline of Richards, Lacroix, Riad, and Munoz, midfielders Wharton, Kamada, and Sosa, and forwards Sarr, Larsen, and Johnson.
Palace dominated early possession and created chances down the flanks. Sarr forced a save and had a goal disallowed for offside from a free-kick routine. Despite their control, Zrinjski stayed organised, and Ivanic missed a chance by firing over from inside the area.
In the 43rd minute, Palace took the lead. Tyrick Sosa passed to Jorgen Strand Larsen, who laid off for Sarr to finish precisely into the bottom-right corner, giving Oliver Glasner's side a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
The second half saw Palace push for more, with Strand Larsen shooting wide after a Munoz pass and Wharton striking the crossbar from distance. However, Zrinjski levelled in the 55th minute through a counter-attack. Leo Mikic released Abramovic, who drilled a low shot past Dean Henderson to make it 1-1.
Zrinjski gained momentum, with Abramovic threatening again and Tomislav Cuze missing a one-on-one by dragging wide. A VAR review in the late stages checked a possible handball by Daniel Munoz in the area, but referee Manfredas Lukjancukas denied the penalty after consulting the monitor.
Palace introduced substitutes Yeremi Pino and Evann Guessand but struggled to break through. Chris Richards headed wide from a corner, while Zrinjski's Matej Sakota and substitute Dan Lagumdzija created late chances. Palace had won two of three European away games in the league phase, while Zrinjski earned seven points from six group games and remained unbeaten at home in the competition. This was the first competitive meeting between the clubs.
