Crystal Palace Overcome Zrinjski Mostar to Secure Conference League Last-16 Berth
Crystal Palace kept their European dream alive on Thursday night, overcoming a determined Zrinjski Mostar side with a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park to progress 3-1 on aggregate in the UEFA Conference League knockout round play-offs . In what was described as the "biggest night of the Eagles' season," first-half goals from Maxence Lacroix and a stoppage-time strike from Evann Guessand ensured Oliver Glasner's men advanced to the last 16, where they will face either German side Mainz 05 or Cypriot outfit AEK Larnaca . FirsHalf Breakthrough Calms Nerves After a frustrating 1-1 draw in the first leg in Bosnia, the tie was delicately poised. However, Palace began with renewed intensity at Selhurst Park. The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Adam Wharton delivered a delightful free-kick for French defender Maxence Lacroix to power a header home, settling any early nerves . The goal was a reward for a much-improved performance from the hosts, who had struggled for...