Football

Crystal Palace 1-0 Fredrikstad, UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Mateta Strike Gives Eagles Advantage

Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 win in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League 2025-26 playoff tie against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s header in the 54th minute was the difference between the two sides, with the Frenchman capitalising on a deflected effort from Will Hughes. Despite sustained pressure from Crystal Palace, resulting in Daniel Munoz hitting the post, Fredrikstad defended resolutely, keeping the deficit to one goal, which they will attempt to overturn in their home leg in Norway.

UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_Oskar Ohlenschlaeger
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Fredrikstad's Oskar Ohlenschlaeger, left, and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park in London.

2/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg match Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_ Ismaila Sarr
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, center, heads a goal during the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park in London.

3/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_Jean-Philippe Mateta
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, rear center, and Fredrikstad's Maxwell Woledzi, right, battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park in London.

4/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg match Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_Ulrik Fredriksen
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, left, and Fredrikstad's Ulrik Fredriksen battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park in London.

5/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg match Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_Ulrik Fredriksen
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, left, and Fredrikstad's Ulrik Fredriksen battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park in London.

6/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg match Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_Marc Guehi
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi attempts a shot on goal during the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park in London.

7/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_ Jean-Philippe Mateta
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, left, and Fredrikstad's Maxwell Woledzi battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park in London.

8/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg match Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Fredrikstad pose for a team group photo before the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in London.

9/9
UEFA Conference League 2025-26 Playoff 1st Leg match Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad_Andreas Hagen
UEFA Conference League Playoff 1st Leg: Crystal Palace Vs Fredrikstad | Photo: John Walton/PA via AP

Fredrikstad manager Andreas Hagen walks to the dugout before the UEFA Conference League playoff soccer match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in London.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

CLOSE