Match Summary Result: Fredrikstad 0-0 Crystal Palace (Palace win 1-0 on aggregate). Outcome: Palace qualify for the group stage of a European competition for the first time. Decisive Moment: Jean-Philippe Mateta's first-leg goal proves enough to see the Eagles through. Performance: A resolute defensive display secures progress despite a lack of attacking threat in Norway.
Crystal Palace have reached the Uefa Conference League group stage for the first time in the club's history after a hard-fought goalless draw against Fredrikstad in Norway.
The Premier League side progressed 1-0 on aggregate, with Jean-Philippe Mateta's strike at Selhurst Park last week proving decisive in a tie that was far from comfortable.
On what was manager Oliver Glasner's 51st birthday, Palace produced a professional, if uninspired, performance to get the job done. They weathered periods of pressure from a much-improved Fredrikstad side, who adopted a more positive approach than in the first leg but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to threaten Dean Henderson's goal.
The hosts' best opportunity fell to Stiane Molde, who failed to convert into a near-empty net after Henderson mishandled a cross inside the six-yard box. Substitute Henrik Skogvold also fired a late chance wide as the Norwegian side made a final push for an equaliser.
Palace, for their part, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Defender Chris Richards headed wide from a set-piece, but their best opening came in stoppage time when Mateta broke clean through, only to see his effort blocked by the outstretched leg of keeper Martin Borsheim.
The result extends the Eagles' unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 games, equalling a club record for a top-flight season. Having dropped into this competition following a demotion from the Europa League due to a breach of multi-club ownership rules, Palace will now eagerly await Friday's group stage draw.
This was a classic European away performance from Crystal Palace: solid, disciplined, and ultimately effective. Where they dominated a defensive Fredrikstad side at Selhurst Park, the return leg in Norway presented a different challenge.
The hosts, urged on by a vocal home crowd, were far more adventurous. The physicality of forward Emil Holten caused problems, and they effectively utilised Daniel Eid's long throws to put the Palace backline—which included the in-demand Marc Guehi—under considerable pressure.
Yet, for all their positive intent, Fredrikstad's final ball was consistently found wanting. Palace's defence held firm, showing the organisation and resilience that has become a hallmark under Oliver Glasner.
The primary concern for the manager, however, will be at the other end of the pitch. Having scored just one goal in their opening two Premier League games and with the recent departure of creative fulcrum Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, the Eagles once again showed a distinct lack of attacking potency. They lacked fluidity and struggled to create meaningful opportunities from open play.
While qualification is a significant achievement and a welcome birthday present for Glasner, this tense two-legged affair serves as a clear indicator of the challenges that lie ahead in Europe and highlights the pressing need for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
What’s Next?
Crystal Palace will discover their Conference League group stage opponents when the draw takes place on Friday, 29 August, following the Europa League draw at 12:00 BST.
Their next domestic fixture is a Premier League clash away to Aston Villa on Sunday, 31 August (19:00 BST).
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