Crystal Palace Edges Fredrikstad 1-0 in UEFA Conference League Playoff

Crystal Palace takes the leadz 1-0 Win over Fredrikstad

Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad in the UEFA Conference League playoff. Read our match report and analysis...

Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad in their Europa Conference League playoff first leg at Selhurst Park, thanks to a Jean-Philippe Mateta header. Mateta's goal proved to be the difference-maker, giving Palace a crucial advantage heading into the return leg.

The match took place amid speculation surrounding Eberechi Eze's potential transfer to Arsenal, but coach Oliver Glasner confirmed that the forward wouldn't feature, stating he wasn't ready to play. Despite the distraction, Palace's focus on the game paid off, with Mateta's header securing a historic win in the club's European debut.

Crystal Palace fans showed their frustration after being demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League, booing the anthem and chanting anti-UEFA slogans before the match against Fredrikstad. This discontent stemmed from UEFA's decision to place Palace in the Conference League due to concerns over American businessman John Textor's influence on both Palace and French club Lyon.

Despite the tense atmosphere, Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the winning goal. Mateta cleverly headed in Will Hughes' shot in the second half, marking Crystal Palace's first-ever European goal. This win puts Palace in a favorable position ahead of the second leg.

Notably, Eberechi Eze didn't feature in the starting lineup due to reportedly not feeling well enough to play. His replacement, Justin Devenny, didn't grab the headlines, but Mateta's performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. With Eze's impending transfer to Arsenal, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner emphasized that Eze wouldn't play for the team again and hinted at bringing in new players to strengthen the squad.

First part of the journey complete 🤝 pic.twitter.com/k4GSqXa31m

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 21, 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta had a close call in the first half, hitting the post with a deflected shot, while Daniel Munoz's late effort hit the upright, giving Fredrikstad a glimmer of hope for the return leg. This narrow defeat puts the pressure on Fredrikstad to perform well in the second leg.

The second leg is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at Fredrikstad Stadion in Norway, where Fredrikstad will look to overcome the 1-0 deficit and secure a spot in the group stage. The draw for the group stage will take place the following day, on August 29, 2025. Crystal Palace's victory puts them in a favorable position, but Fredrikstad can still make a comeback with a strong performance.

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta expressed his delight after scoring the winning goal. “Very happy to be the first player for Palace to score in the European Cup,” Mateta said. "I saw the ball in the box and I had to jump!" His clever header, off Will Hughes' shot, secured a crucial win for Palace, putting them in a favorable position ahead of the return leg.

“I will joke with Will Hughes about the goal. I was ready, if the ball comes to me, I will touch it. I have to score. My body showed it to the goal and I was very happy.

“They played very defensively and it was hard for us. They didn't really give us gaps. They defended really well. Now we have to go there and win again.

“It's hard, we have to keep believing and stick to the plan, just what the gaffer told us. 

“Winning was the most important thing. Now we have another game.“