Jean-Philippe Mateta etched his name into Crystal Palace history on Thursday night as his second-half header secured a 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff at Selhurst Park.
The game carried added drama with Eberechi Eze’s impending move to Arsenal dominating the build-up. Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed before kick-off that the forward was “not ready to play,” handing Justin Devenny a starting spot instead.
Crystal Palace supporters voiced their frustration at being demoted from the Europa League, booing the Conference League anthem and chanting against UEFA before kick-off.
Despite a lively start, Palace had to wait until the 54th minute to break the deadlock. Will Hughes’ shot was redirected by Mateta, who guided the ball past Fredrikstad goalkeeper Martin Borsheim for the club’s first-ever European goal.
Mateta almost struck earlier in the half when his effort, deflected off a defender, crashed against the post. In the closing stages, Daniel Muñoz also rattled the upright, leaving the visitors with hope ahead of the decisive return leg in Norway on August 28. The draw for the group stage will follow the next day.
Speaking after the game, Mateta told Channel 5 Sport, “Very happy to be the first player for Palace to score in the European Cup. I saw the ball in the box and I had to jump!
I will joke with Will Hughes about the goal. I was ready, if the ball comes to me, I will touch it. I have to score. My body showed it to the goal and I was very happy.
They played very defensively and it was hard for us. They didn’t really give us gaps. They defended really well. Now we have to go there and win again.
It’s hard, we have to keep believing and stick to the plan, just what the gaffer told us.
Winning was the most important thing. Now we have another game.”
Crystal Palace now carry a narrow advantage to Norway but will need to remain sharp to confirm their place in the group stages.
