Strasbourg came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Stade de la Meinau, damaging the Eagles’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the UEFA Conference League.
Jean-Philippe Mateta set up the opener, controlling a long ball and holding off defenders before slipping a clever through-ball to Tyrick Mitchell. From a tight angle the left-back drove low into the far corner. Seconds later Palace might have doubled their lead when on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders was caught out, but Ismaila Sarr struck the inside of the post from around 30 yards.
Strasbourg hit back eight minutes into the second half with a well-worked team move finished at the back post by the lively Emanuel Emegha, who is due to join Chelsea next season. Palace then wasted two big opportunities to regain the lead: substitute Adam Wharton glanced a shot onto the bar with the goal gaping after a defensive mix-up, and Penders produced a save to deny Yeremy Pino.
Thirteen minutes from time Strasbourg went ahead for the first time. Ex-Brighton forward Julio Enciso’s free-kick cannoned off the crossbar and 19-year-old Moroccan Samir El Mourabet reacted quickest to turn in the rebound.
Palace’s five-game unbeaten run in all competitions ended and they slipped to 18th in the Conference League standings.
Glasner: We deserved to lose after missing so many chances
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner on TNT Sports said it was “pretty easy” to explain the defeat given the clear openings his side missed. He pointed to two empty-net chances that hit the post and another big one-on-one with the keeper, adding that the team had too often failed to decide games when opportunities arose. Glasner called for more players to step up and score, saying the team could not rely on keeping clean sheets and needed a third goal to relax during matches.
What’s coming up for Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace fixtures and Conference League and Premier League schedules follow as the season continues.
