Palace progress after professional win over Zrinjski | OneFootball

Crystal Palace secured their place in the Conference League last 16 with a composed 2-0 win over Zrinjski Mostar at Selhurst Park, completing a 3-1 aggregate victory.

After last week’s draw in Bosnia, Oliver Glasner’s side started on the front foot and controlled possession from the outset. Evann Guessand and Daichi Kamada both threatened early as Palace pinned the visitors back.

The opener arrived on 28 minutes when Adam Wharton delivered an excellent free-kick from the left and Maxence Lacroix rose to head confidently into the far corner, giving the Eagles control of the tie.

Zrinjski briefly threatened a response but failed to capitalise on their best opening, and Palace resumed control without quite finding the second goal their dominance deserved.

Chris Richards missed a clear chance from a set-piece, while Ismaila Sarr went close as the hosts pushed to make the result safe.

The contest was finally settled in stoppage time when Guessand kept his composure to fire into the far corner, ensuring Palace’s progression and sparking relief around Selhurst Park.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

29':

Missed opportunity! Ismaïla Sarr from Crystal Palace takes a right-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard box, but it goes just wide to the left. The chance was set up by a cross from Tyrick Mitchell.

Crystal Palace takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Zrinjski Mostar. Maxence Lacroix scores with a header from just a few yards out, directing the ball into the bottom right corner. The assist comes from Adam Wharton, who delivered a precise cross after a set piece.

36':

GOAL Crystal Palace: Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) scores!

Maxence Lacroix scores goal number 2 in the competition (7 matches)

41':

Missed opportunity! Leo Mikic from Zrinjski Mostar took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area after a quick counterattack, but it didn't hit the target.

64':

Missed opportunity! Chris Richards from Crystal Palace had a header from close range after a set piece, but it went off target.

80':

Missed opportunity! Ismaïla Sarr from Crystal Palace heads the ball from the middle of the box, but it goes just to the left of the target. The cross was delivered by Tyrick Mitchell.

82':

Missed opportunity! Daichi Kamada from Crystal Palace took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it didn?t hit the target.

90 +2':

Missed opportunity! Tomi Juric of Zrinjski Mostar heads the ball from just a short distance but it goes wide to the left. The chance was set up by Matej Sakota, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

90 +3':

GOAL Crystal Palace: Evann Guessand (Crystal Palace) scores!

Evann Guessand scores goal number 1 in the competition (2 matches)

Crystal Palace leads 2-0 against Zrinjski Mostar. Evann Guessand scores with a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match