Crystal Palace's European campaign suffered a significant setback after a frustrating 2-1 defeat away to Strasbourg in the UEFA Conference League. Manager Oliver Glasner did not mince his words in his post-match assessment, stating his team got what they deserved after squandering golden opportunities to secure a vital victory.
Missed Chances Prove Costly for Eagles
The match, played on Thursday 27 November 2025, saw Palace take the lead through defender Tyrick Mitchell ten minutes before half-time. The overlapping full-back fired across goal and inside the far post after being set up by Jean-Philippe Mateta, scoring what he later called a personal highlight in a disappointing team result.
However, the game turned on its head in the second half due to a remarkable sequence of events. Strasbourg's eccentric goalkeeper, Mike Penders—on loan from Chelsea—ventured far from his goal, leaving the net unguarded on two separate occasions. First, Ismaila Sarr saw his 30-yard effort strike the foot of the post. Minutes later, Adam Wharton's half-volley crashed back off the crossbar.
Strasbourg Capitalise on Palace Profligacy
Strasbourg made Palace pay dearly for their wastefulness. The French side equalised through Chelsea-bound striker Emanuel Emegha before teenager Samir El Mourabet sealed the win with his first senior goal, sending the home crowd into delirium.
This loss marks Palace's second defeat in four Conference League outings this season, joining a previous humiliating home loss to AEK Larnaca. The result leaves the Eagles in a precarious 18th place in the 36-team league, having accumulated just six points from two wins and two losses.
Glasner's Frank Assessment
Speaking to TNT Sport after the final whistle, a candid Oliver Glasner pinpointed the reason for the defeat. "It's easy," he said, "when you have twice the empty goal in front of you and you miss the goal twice hitting the post. Could be, should be 3-1 up... and then you lose a game and I think that's why we deserved to lose today."
He expressed frustration at a recurring theme this season, where his team has failed to kill off games when in a commanding position. Defender Tyrick Mitchell echoed his manager's sentiments, acknowledging the team must be more clinical in front of goal if they are to progress in the competition.
