Crystal Palace have been held to a 1-1 draw by Zrinjski of their first leg of their Convention League play-off tie.
Ismaila Sarr’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Karlo Abramovic at Stadion Bijeli Brijeg, with the Eagles’ hopes of constructing the final 16 remaining within the stability forward of subsequent week’s return fixture at Selhurst Park.
Palace thought that they had gone forward within the twelfth minute by way of Sarr, after he tapped in from Daniel Munoz’s flick on, however the linesman raised his flag as Chris Richards was discovered to be offside within the build-up.
Nonetheless, the Senegal ahead did break the impasse shortly earlier than half-time, putting the ball into the bottom-right nook after a cushioned lay-off from Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was making his debut in main European competitors.
Nonetheless, Oliver Glasner’s aspect have been gradual popping out of the break and have been punished by Zrinjski. Leo Mikic stole the ball from Adam Wharton earlier than taking part in Abramovic by way of on objective, and the latter made no mistake together with his end.
Mario Cuze didn’t hit the goal from shut vary after the hour mark, whereas Wharton’s makes an attempt to atone for his error noticed his strike the woodwork because the Eagles needed to accept a attract Bosnia.
It ends degree in Bosnia. pic.twitter.com/lV9fk0nj6g
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 19, 2026
Knowledge Debrief: Frustration for Glasner
Glasner would have been hoping for a giant win with a view to relaxation his key gamers for the second leg, however Zrinjski had no intentions of giving in at 1-0 down. The hosts produced 1.24 anticipated targets (xG) from 5 photographs, to Palace’s 0.8 from 11 makes an attempt.
And regardless of getting an help to his identify, it was a disappointing outing for Strand Larsen. He didn’t register a single shot, solely had three touches within the field and misplaced all three of his aerial duels.
In the meantime, Zrinjski’s residence strengths have been on present once more, with all 9 of their targets within the competitors this season approaching their very own turf.
