Mateta gives Crystal Palace advantage over Fredrikstad in Conference playoff
Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the first leg of their Conference League playoff, despite the absence of Eberechi Eze, who is reportedly close to a £67.5m move to Arsenal. The game started with Palace struggling to break down the well-organized Fredrikstad defense in the first half. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta's goal in the second half gave the home side the advantage. While Palace were unable to find a second goal that could have proven crucial, manager Oliver Glasner, who led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, is aware that the tie is far from over, as the second leg will be played on an artificial surface next week. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding Crystal Palace's European campaign, as they navigate the challenges of the Conference League without their talismanic forward Eze.
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