Palace shine in Europe: Record-Breaking Run Continues
Crystal Palace’s European dream began in style as Oliver Glasner’s team marked their first-ever Conference League group-stage game with a commanding 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv.
History made in Poland
More than 3,500 Palace fans made the journey from south London to Lublin, and they were rewarded with a night to remember. Daniel Muñoz’s clever first-half header and Eddie Nketiah’s sharp finish after the break gave the Eagles the perfect start to their campaign.
It wasn’t just three points. Palace stretched their unbeaten run to 19 matches across all competitions – a new club record, surpassing a milestone that had stood for over half a century.
Muñoz breaks the deadlock
Kyiv, forced to play 400 miles from home due to the war in Ukraine, entered the pitch draped in national flags. They started with spirit, but Palace looked the sharper side. Yeremy Pino, lively down the left, created the opener with a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Muñoz rose high and looped his header into the corner.
The travelling support erupted, drowning out the stadium announcer’s request to “show positive emotions” with their own defiant chants. Palace nearly doubled their lead just before the break when Borna Sosa volleyed Muñoz’s cross, but Ruslan Neshcheret saved well.
Nketiah seals the deal
Glasner introduced Nketiah at half-time, and the striker made an instant impact. After seeing one goal chalked off for offside, he pounced again when Pino wriggled free and delivered another dangerous cross. Nketiah’s sharp volley found the net, and Palace never looked back.
The former Arsenal forward almost added a spectacular second with a long-range strike that the Kyiv keeper nearly spilled into his own goal.
Late drama, but no worries
The only blemish came when Sosa picked up two quick yellow cards and was sent off with 15 minutes left. But Palace’s defence stayed calm, limiting Kyiv to just a single shot on target all evening.
Glasner was quick to downplay the unbeaten run, insisting his focus is already on the next test away at Everton. But Palace fans will be dreaming bigger. After conquering Liverpool last weekend and now making their mark in Europe, this team looks ready for anything.
