Crystal Palace Secures Historic Conference League Berth with Gritty Performance Against Fredrikstad

Crystal Palace has etched its name into the club's history books by securing a berth in the 2025-26 Conference League after a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over Norwegian side Fredrikstad. The Eagles sealed their place in the competition thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's solitary goal in the first leg, as the second leg ended in a goalless draw.

This momentous victory means Crystal Palace will host a major European club competition at Selhurst Park for the very first time, a milestone that has eluded the club until now. The match itself showcased Palace's dominance in possession, though clear-cut chances were few and far between. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jefferson Lerma both tested Fredrikstad goalkeeper Martin Borsheim in the first half, but the breakthrough remained elusive.

The second half saw both teams display flashes of attacking intent, but Fredrikstad's lack of precision in the final third ensured Crystal Palace's progression. Despite a late flurry of attempts from the Norwegian side in stoppage time, their inability to convert chances over the course of the tie proved decisive.

Crystal Palace's defensive solidity was a standout feature of the tie. The Eagles restricted Fredrikstad to an expected goals (xG) of just 0.25 while generating 0.91 themselves, and they allowed only one shot on target across both legs. The defensive unit, led by Marc Guehi, was particularly impressive. Guehi recorded the most touches (114) and completed 92 out of 96 passes, while also contributing significantly to the team's attacking build-up with 21 passes in the final third.

With this victory, Oliver Glasner's side can now look forward to the 2025-26 Conference League, a competition that promises to provide unforgettable moments for the club and its supporters.