Crystal Palace Edges Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in UEFA Conference League

Palace makes history with 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv

Crystal Palace defeated Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Conference League, extending their unbeaten run to a record-breaking 19 games. Eddie Nketiah's goal helped Crystal Palace beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in the UEFA Conference League.

Palace's momentum grew after taking the lead, but they couldn't double their advantage before halftime...

Crystal Palace achieved a milestone by extending their unbeaten run to a record-breaking 19 games in all competitions. The Eagles secured a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Conference League's opening round, marking a significant evening for the club.

The match, played on neutral Polish turf in Lublin, was Crystal Palace's first-ever main-draw game in European competition. The early exchanges were cautious, with both teams feeling out each other in a tense opening period. However, Palace's solidity and determination ultimately paid off as they claimed a well-deserved victory.

The first half-hour of the match was uneventful, with neither team creating significant scoring opportunities in the final third. This was a surprise given Dynamo's recent goal-scoring form, which had averaged 4.4 goals per game in their last five matches.

The game sprang to life in the 31st minute when Daniel Munoz headed in Palace's first-ever goal in major European competition. Munoz climbed highest at the far post to meet Yeremy Pino's cross, directing the ball into the far corner and giving Palace the lead.

Palace's momentum grew after taking the lead, but they couldn't double their advantage before halftime. Borna Sosa had a chance, latching onto Adam Wharton's precise ball over the top, while Daichi Kamada's mazy run ended with a tame effort that Ruslan Neshcheret comfortably saved.

Crystal Palace win their first ever European game 👏#UECL pic.twitter.com/lfqQTfAFWp

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) October 2, 2025

Oliver Glasner made a tactical substitution at halftime, bringing on Eddie Nketiah for Jean-Philippe Mateta. The move seemed to pay off just 10 minutes after the restart when Nketiah lashed home a shot from the edge of the area, giving Palace a 2-0 lead.

Nketiah was initially denied by the offside flag, but moments later, he scored after Pino's skillful play on the byline allowed him to turn home from inside the six-yard box. Nketiah almost added a third soon after with a powerful 25-yard shot that Neshcheret smartly saved, keeping Dynamo in the game.

Dynamo's hopes of a comeback were unexpectedly boosted when Borna Sosa received two yellow cards in quick succession and was sent off, leaving Palace to defend their lead with a man advantage.

Despite having a man advantage in the final 15 minutes, Dynamo couldn't find a way back into the game, suffering their seventh defeat in nine league phase games in Europe. Palace, meanwhile, secured a well-deserved win, keeping a clean sheet in the process and starting their league phase campaign on a high note.

The victory marked a significant moment for Palace, who made club history with their win and showed they're serious contenders for the Conference League trophy. The Eagles are building momentum and proving they're a team to watch in the competition.

Key stats

• Crystal Palace have now gone 19 matches unbeaten in all competitions, the longest unbeaten run in their history
• Dynamo Kyiv did not have a shot on target until the 89th minute of the match

• Daniel Muñoz is Crystal Palace's first-ever scorer in major European competition - the Colombian has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League defender in all competitions in 2025 (five goals, six assists)