Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal as Crystal Palace defeated Norwegian side Fredrikstad 1-0 in the first leg of the final round of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
It was the first taste of European action for the Eagles since losing their appeal over their demotion from the Europa League for breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
The game also saw the absence of star forward Eberechi Eze who is on the verge of joining London rivals Arsenal.
Oliver Glasner’s side had the bulk of possession and chances in the first half but failed to make anything out of it until the 54th minute when Will Hughes’ shot took a deflection off Mateta on its way in.
Colombian defender Daniel Munoz attempted a powerful header to make it 2-0 in the 78th minute but his effort was wide off target.
First part of the journey complete 🤝 pic.twitter.com/k4GSqXa31m
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 21, 2025
Palace will go with the slender lead into next week’s return leg in Norway, with the winner on aggregate progressing to the league phase of the Conference League.
