Palace qualify for league phase of Conference League

Fredrikstad 0 - 0 Crystal Palace (Palace won 1-0 on aggregate)

Crystal Palace secured their place in the league phase of the Conference League despite a laboured performance in the second leg of their play-off tie against Fredrikstad.

Author | James Lees

Stadium | Nye Fredrikstad Stadion

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike in the first leg at Selhurst Park ultimately settled the contest on aggregate, though Palace offered little in Norway. The French forward had the clearest chance to add to his tally in stoppage time, breaking clear only to be denied by the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Martin Borsheim.

A closer look at what happened

Fredrikstad once again defended diligently, but unlike in south London they looked to carry more threat. Their attacking intent, however, rarely troubled Dean Henderson. Stiane Molde spurned the home side’s best opportunity when he failed to turn into an almost empty net after Henderson misjudged a ball in the six-yard box, while substitute Henrik Skogvold fired wide late on.

For Oliver Glasner, who turned 51 on the night, it was far from a convincing display but one that extended Palace’s unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions, equalling a club record at top-flight level.

The victory also ensures a first appearance in the group stage of a European competition for Palace, who dropped into the Conference League after their demotion from the Europa League for breaching multi-club ownership regulations.

Fan reaction

Palace fans watch on

Christopher travelled over to Norway for the match, he told us: “We defended really well. Our European tour continues, which is amazing!"

Joe Thompson followed the game on television and felt the result was a credit to the squad. “We already know the squad is thin, so the lads have come back from the summer without much of a pre-season and have had four or five games in quick succession. I think the manager will be impressed and happy with the commitment from the players.”

Glenn, another Palace supporter, was less satisfied with the display. “A little bit disappointed with Palace’s performance. I thought they would control the game better. They looked as though they wanted to finish the tie off too quickly, which I understand, but when Fredrikstad sat deep they knew from the first leg how hard they were to break down. A bit more patience was needed.”