Jean-Philippe Mateta etched his name into Crystal Palace history, scoring the club’s first goal in a major European competition during a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad in the UEFA Conference League play-off first leg at Selhurst Park.
The historic strike, a 54th-minute header, marked Palace’s return to continental football after a 27-year absence, delivering a narrow but crucial lead ahead of the second leg in Norway.
Despite dominating possession, Oliver Glasner’s side struggled to convert chances, raising concerns about their finishing as they prepare for the return fixture.
The UEFA Conference League play-off clash saw Crystal Palace, recent FA Cup winners, face a resilient Fredrikstad side, eighth in Norway’s Eliteserien.
Mateta’s goal, assisted by Will Hughes’ deflected strike, came after a frustrating first half where Palace held 74.3% possession but lacked a creative edge, especially without Eberechi Eze, who is reportedly nearing a move to Arsenal.
Palace’s 25 shot attempts yielded only five on target, with Mateta’s header proving the difference. Fredrikstad’s defensive solidity, led by Ghanaian defender Maxwell Woledzi, kept the scoreline tight, offering hope for the second leg.
Fans at Selhurst Park, numbering 23,013, displayed a mix of excitement and frustration, with some chanting against UEFA’s decision to demote Palace from the Europa League due to multi-club ownership issues involving former shareholder John Textor.
Manager Oliver Glasner praised Mateta’s composure, stating the forward’s positioning was key to the historic goal. However, he acknowledged the team’s need to be more clinical, especially with injuries to players like Cheick Doucoure and new signing Eddie Nketiah.
Fredrikstad’s Emil Holten nearly equalised late, firing just wide in stoppage time, underscoring the tie’s openness. The second leg, set for August 28 in Norway, will test Palace’s ability to maintain their lead against a side eager to capitalise on home support.
Posts on X highlighted Mateta’s milestone, with fans calling it a proud moment despite the team’s wasteful performance. The UEFA Conference League play-off remains a pivotal moment for Crystal Palace, with Mateta’s historic goal fueling optimism.
Glasner’s squad must sharpen their attack to secure a spot in the league phase, with the draw scheduled for August 29 in Monaco.
A potential Europa League return looms if Palace progress, given their FA Cup pedigree and Community Shield win over Liverpool. Mateta’s historic goal has set the stage for a tense second leg.
Palace’s dominance at Selhurst Park, while not fully rewarded, showcased their potential in European competition. Fredrikstad’s resilience suggests they could challenge in Norway, making the outcome uncertain.
As Palace navigate this UEFA Conference League play-off, Mateta’s strike remains a beacon of hope for fans dreaming of further European glory.
