Strasbourg comeback pushes Crystal Palace into precarious Conference League qualification zone | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run came to a halt as Strasbourg came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory that pushed the Premier League side deeper into trouble in the Europa Conference League.

Tyrick Mitchell’s first-half strike had given Palace a platform to extend their momentum, only for missed chances and defensive lapses to leave them empty-handed in Alsace.

Mitchell opened the scoring after 35 minutes when Jean-Philippe Mateta held off two defenders, turned into space and slipped the left-back through for a precise finish into the far corner.

The goal settled Palace and should have been the moment that put Strasbourg on the back foot, but the visitors squandered a golden opportunity to double their lead before the break.

Ismaila Sarr collected possession with the goalkeeper stranded well outside his box, yet his long-range effort bounced off the inside of the post with an empty net waiting.

Strasbourg survived that scare and levelled eight minutes after half-time when Diego Moreira broke down the left and crossed low for Emanuel Emegha to guide in at the back post.

The equaliser energised the hosts and exposed the fragility that has crept into Palace’s European campaign, which has been far less assured than their domestic form.

Another defensive error from Strasbourg should have restored Palace’s advantage when Mike Penders misplaced a pass straight to substitute Adam Wharton, whose curling attempt cannoned off the bar.

Penders redeemed himself moments later with a sharp save to deny Yeremy Pino from close range as Palace continued to create chances without taking control of the match.

Their wastefulness proved costly when Strasbourg turned the game around in the 77th minute through a moment of opportunism.

Julio Enciso’s free-kick rattled the crossbar and 19-year-old Samir El Mourabet reacted quickest to tap in the rebound as Palace’s defence hesitated.

The goal deflated Palace, who struggled to generate a response in the closing minutes despite their urgency and greater experience in key areas of the pitch.

The defeat leaves Oliver Glasner’s side with two wins and two losses from their opening four league phase games, a return that places them in a precarious position outside the top-eight places.

Palace had entered the night on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions, but their inconsistency in Europe resurfaced as Strasbourg punished every lapse and seized every moment.