Palace scrape through to Conference League group stage despite limp display

Crystal Palace secured a place in the Conference League league phase despite a laboured display in their play-off second leg against Fredrikstad, Sport360NG reports.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike at Selhurst Park last week proved decisive as the Premier League side progressed 1-0 on aggregate, with Oliver Glasner’s men unable to find another breakthrough in Norway.

Mateta came closest to extending Palace’s advantage in stoppage time, racing clear only to see his effort kept out by goalkeeper Martin Borsheim.

Fredrikstad, far more adventurous than in the first leg, pushed forward in search of a goal but lacked the cutting edge to seriously trouble Dean Henderson. Stiane Molde spurned their best opening when he failed to capitalise on a loose ball in the box, while substitute Henrik Skogvold fired wide late on.

Despite another unconvincing performance, Palace extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 matches, equalling a club record. The victory also guarantees their first ever appearance in the group stage of a European competition, following their demotion from the Europa League over multi-club ownership rules.

The draw takes place on Friday, immediately after the Europa League ceremony at 12:00 BST.

Analysis: Work to do for Glasner’s side

Palace began the tie with only a slender advantage and were put under pressure in Norway, with Fredrikstad testing their backline far more than in London. Emil Holten’s physical presence caused problems and the hosts looked dangerous from Daniel Eid’s long throws.

However, as in the first leg, the Norwegian side failed to convert pressure into clear chances, leaving Palace to edge through courtesy of Mateta’s first-leg strike.

Concerns remain for Glasner, whose side have found goals hard to come by since losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal. Apart from half-chances for Chris Richards and Mateta, Palace offered little going forward and lacked fluency in attack.

Glasner has delivered progress in Europe, but this tie highlighted the need for greater attacking options if Palace are to make an impression in the group stage.

What’s next

The Eagles will learn their group opponents on Friday, while Fredrikstad drop out of Europe. Palace return to Premier League action on Sunday evening against Aston Villa.