Palace's European Woes Continue in 1-1 Zrinjski Draw.Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Crystal Palace: Sarr Strike Not Enough as Eagles Stumble in Conference League
Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Crystal Palace: Eagles Held in Bosnia Despite Dominating Possession
Stadion Bijeli Brijeg, Mostar | 19 February 2026
Crystal Palace's European campaign suffered another frustrating setback as the Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League knockout round play-off.
Palace controlled more than 70% possession and created several promising opportunities, but Ismaïla Sarr's 43rd-minute opener was cancelled out by Karlo Abramović shortly after half-time.
The result leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg at Selhurst Park on 26 February, with Palace needing a victory to progress.
For Oliver Glasner's side, the draw was another example of a worrying trend: plenty of possession and territorial control, but not enough quality in the final third to turn dominance into victories.
The Eagles, boasting over 70% possession and creating numerous chances, appeared set for a comfortable lead after Ismaïla Sarr's fine strike in the 43rd minute. However, a sloppy second-half start allowed Karlo Abramović to equalize in the 55th minute, leaving the tie delicately balanced ahead of the return leg at Selhurst Park on February 26 (20:00 GMT). A win in London would see Palace through, but this result underscored their ongoing struggles to convert control into results. 
Attendance stood at 7,152 in the compact, atmospheric venue undergoing redevelopment, with a passionate home crowd creating a challenging environment despite the cold February night. For Palace, this was their first European fixture since December 18, following an eight-day break due to no FA Cup involvement. Manager Oliver Glasner fielded a strong side, including new signing Jørgen Strand Larsen, Adam Wharton, and Brennan Johnson, hoping for European respite amid a dismal domestic campaign.
Stadion pod Bijelim Brijegom
The Stadion Bijeli Brijeg, nestled amid Mostar's hills, provided a classic underdog backdrop for Zrinjski, Bosnia's dominant club in recent years.
Pre-Match Context: Palace's Turbulent Season Meets Zrinjski's Home Resilience Crystal Palace entered the tie amid crisis. After their shock FA Cup final win over Manchester City less than a year prior, the 2025-26 season has unraveled: a slide from fifth to 13th in the Premier League, League Cup quarter-final exit, FA Cup elimination by sixth-tier Macclesfield, captain Marc Guéhi's sale to Manchester City, and confirmation of Glasner's departure at season's end. Just one win in 15 games highlighted their woes. 
Zrinjski Mostar, unbeaten at home in Europe this campaign, aimed to cause an upset against Premier League opposition. The Bosnian side, known for defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat, welcomed Palace to a venue where few visitors leave unscathed. The tie winner advances to the round of 16. Palace needed a positive result to rebuild momentum; Zrinjski sought to exploit any complacency.
First Half: Palace Dominate but Sarr Strikes Late Palace started brightly, pressing high and controlling possession. In the seventh minute, Sarr volleyed straight at goalkeeper Goran Karačić. Wharton followed with a shot whistling past the post. 
A potential opener arrived in the 12th minute: Sarr finished neatly from six yards after a loose ball, but VAR ruled it out for Chris Richards' offside involvement in the build-up. Zrinjski threatened sporadically. A right-wing attack required Daniel Muñoz's last-ditch tackle. Antonio Ivancic blazed over after Mario Ćuze's cushioned header six minutes before halftime. Palace's persistence paid off in the 43rd minute. New signing Strand Larsen's crisp first touch laid the ball off, allowing Sarr to curl a low shot through bodies into the net—his third Conference League goal this season.
Ismaïla Sarr's strike earns Crystal Palace Conference League draw at Zrinjski | Conference League.Ismaïla Sarr fires home the opener for Crystal Palace, curling low past the keeper. Half-time: Zrinjski Mostar 0-1 Crystal Palace. The Eagles led but could have had more. Second Half: Abramović Levels, Palace Miss Chances The second period began poorly for Palace. A sloppy pass from Wharton in the 55th minute allowed Leo Mikić a strong run down the left. His cutback found Abramović, who drilled low into the far corner past Dean Henderson.
Zrinjski Mostar [1]-1 Crystal Palace - Karlo Abramović 55'Karlo Abramović (in white) slots home Zrinjski's equalizer, punishing Palace's error. Zrinjski grew in confidence, while Palace pushed for a winner. Wharton rattled the crossbar with a long-range effort in the final 20 minutes—agonizingly close to redemption and his first Palace goal. An unmarked Richards headed wide from a corner. Late drama saw referee consultation for a potential handball by Muñoz after pitchside monitor review—no penalty awarded. 
Full-time: Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Crystal Palace. The tie remains open.
Key Events and Goal Scorers 43' – Goal: Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace) – Assisted by Jørgen Strand Larsen. Curled low finish after neat lay-off. 55' – Goal: Karlo Abramović (Zrinjski Mostar) – Assisted by Leo Mikić. Low drive into far corner following sloppy pass. No major cards; game flowed despite tension. Player Ratings and Standouts Player of the Match (BBC users): Goran Karačić (Zrinjski) – Average 6.00. Solid goalkeeping kept Zrinjski in it. Palace highlights: Sarr (goal threat), Wharton (creative but error-prone), Strand Larsen (assist on debut). Zrinjski's defense, including defenders like D. Dujmović and I. Savić (all around 6.00), frustrated Palace.
Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Crystal Palace: Eagles held in Conference League knockout play-off as pressure grows on Oliver Glasner.
Crystal Palace players celebrate Sarr's goal, but joy was short-lived.
Post-Match Reactions and Analysis Glasner expressed frustration: "We dominated but failed to capitalize. The equalizer came from our mistake—we must improve finishing." Sarr: "Good goal, but we needed the win. Selhurst will be different." Zrinjski coach praised resilience: "We fought back—proud of the team." Analysis: Palace's issues persist—possession without penetration. Unimaginative in the final third, they squandered dominance. Zrinjski punished errors, showing why they're tough at home. This draw extends Palace's winless run, heightening pressure on Glasner. The second leg at Selhurst offers redemption, but talk of a Conference League final in Wrocław's Red Bull Arena on May 27 feels distant after one win in 15. Stats: Palace 70%+ possession, multiple big chances missed. Zrinjski efficient on counter.
Wasteful Palace held by Zrinjski
Zrinjski players celebrate their equalizer in front of the home fans.
All to Play For in London This 1-1 result keeps Palace's European hopes alive but exposes frailties. They must convert control into goals at home against a motivated Zrinjski. For the Eagles, snapping their rut is essential—not just for progression, but to salvage a season of promise turned sour. The return leg promises intensity. Palace should prevail with home advantage, but Bosnia's minnows proved they can bite.
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