Crystal Palace aims to provide their supporters with a memorable experience as they embark on their journey to Bosnia for the first leg of the Conference League play-offs against Zrinjski Mostar. Zrinjski currently holds the second position in the Bosnian Premier League, four points shy of the league leaders Borac, with a record of 13 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses from 21 matches. Their spot in the round of 16 was secured by a crucial 1-1 draw against Austrian side Rapid Wien during the final game week of the group stage.
Despite recently defeating their rivals Brighton and Hove Albion in the M23 derby, Crystal Palace is in desperate need of a strong showing. The Eagles managed to squander a two-goal lead before halftime in their match against Burnley, who sit at the bottom of the table. Burnley capitalized on this lapse, scoring three goals in just under ten minutes, unsettling Palace after their previous win over Brighton. Although Palace is not in immediate danger of relegation, the turbulence surrounding the club, along with issues concerning players such as Glasner and Jean Philip-Mateta, adds an element of uncertainty to their season.
Before facing Brighton, Palace had last tasted victory at the end of November against Shelbourne in the Conference League but missed the opportunity for an automatic qualification after finishing two points behind AEK Larnaca.
Zrinjski Mostar, a prominent name in their region with a rich history of nine league titles and three Bosnian cups, has yet to see similar success on the European stage. Their return to continental competition has been limited, with their only appearance in the finals of a European tournament resulting in an exit from the group stage in the 2023/24 season. Their recent success in the group stage allowed them to surpass well-established teams such as Dynamo Kyiv and Legia Warsaw, setting the stage for a monumental clash against Crystal Palace—potentially the most significant match in their European history.
Following the closure of the January transfer window, both teams have had the opportunity to enhance their European rosters. Zrinjski has welcomed new talents, including Adi Nalic, Tin Sajko, and Toni Majic, which may provide the boost needed to create a significant upset in this tie.
For Crystal Palace, head coach Oliver Glasner has faced a challenging season, grappling with the sale of captain Marc Guehi and the failed transfer of key striker Jean Philip-Mateta. While significant injuries have plagued the squad, Glasner’s situation seems to be stabilizing as midfielder Cheick Docoure and striker Eddie Nketiah are currently the only players sidelined. The addition of Jorgen Strand-Larsen, who replaces striker Christian Uche—who scored impressively in a previous match—could also enhance Palace’s chances in the Europa Conference League.
Palace’s supporters remain hopeful that the team can navigate their current challenges and make a deep run in the tournament despite the ups and downs of the season. With both longevity in the Premier League and aspirations in European competitions, all eyes will be on how Palace performs in this pivotal match against Zrinjski Mostar.