Crystal Palace’s promising European campaign hit a speed bump in France on Thursday, as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against a determined Strasbourg side in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Despite taking a first-half lead through defender Tyrick Mitchell, the Eagles were pegged back after the break by goals from Chelsea-bound striker Emanuel Emegha and teenager Samir El Mourabet, who netted his first senior goal.
Mitchell Strike Gives Palace a Halftime Lead
The match pitted two of the tournament favourites against each other, and it was Strasbourg who started brighter, forcing Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson into early action.
After a tough opening period that saw midfielder Will Hughes forced off with a knee injury, it was his replacement, Adam Wharton, who helped create the opener. A long ball found Jean-Philippe Mateta, who held off his marker brilliantly before laying it off for the overlapping Tyrick Mitchell to fire home.
Palace came within inches of doubling their lead moments later when Ismaïla Sarr’s audacious 30-yard effort with the goalkeeper out of position struck the post.
Strasbourg Fightback Seals the Points
The French side emerged from the break with renewed vigour and found an equalizer in the 52nd minute. A low cross from Diego Moreira found Emanuel Emegha, who made no mistake from close range.
Palace were then denied by the woodwork for a second time when Adam Wharton’s superb half-volley cannoned back off the crossbar.
The winner came with just over 15 minutes to play. A Strasbourg free-kick hit the bar, and the rebound fell kindly for Samir El Mourabet to tap in his maiden senior goal. Dean Henderson produced a stunning late save to keep Palace in the game, but they couldn’t find an equalizer.
The result leaves Palace on six points after four matches, a setback in their quest to finish in the top eight of the league phase and progress directly to the round of 16.
