Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 victory over Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Conference League play-off second leg, advancing 3-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 first-leg draw. Goals from Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand ensured progression despite some nervy moments at Selhurst Park. The win marks Palace's first home victory since November.
Crystal Palace hosted Zrinjski Mostar at Selhurst Park for the second leg of their Conference League play-off tie, following a 1-1 draw in Bosnia the previous week. The Eagles, managed by Oliver Glasner—who is set to leave at the end of the season—fielded a strong lineup with changes including Maxence Lacroix, Daichi Kamada, and Evann Guessand starting.
Palace dominated early, with Guessand and Kamada creating chances. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Adam Wharton's precise free-kick from the left was headed into the far corner by Lacroix, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead and a 2-1 aggregate advantage. Zrinjski Mostar, unchanged from the first leg, offered little threat initially but nearly equalized shortly after, only for Leo Mikic to miss a clear opportunity.
The first half ended with Palace regaining control, though Chris Richards missed a header from another Kamada free-kick. In the second half, Guessand was denied by a strong save late on, and Ismaila Sarr failed to convert two chances, including a cross from Tyrick Mitchell and a shot that was saved. Relief came in added time as Guessand slotted home his second goal in consecutive games, sealing the 2-0 win and a place in the last 16.
This result ends a nine-match home winless streak for Palace across all competitions, their previous home victory being a 3-1 win over Alkmaar on November 6. Zrinjski, who have conceded the most goals (11) among remaining teams, faced their second English opponent in recent Conference League campaigns, having drawn and lost to Aston Villa previously. Palace's 118 shots lead the competition, with Sarr joint-fourth in scoring with three goals.
