For Crystal Palace fans, Thursday should have been a night of pure celebration — the club’s first ever match in European competition.
But the absence of star midfielder Eberechi Eze cast a shadow over the historic moment.
Since joining Palace in 2020, Eze has been the heartbeat of the team, dazzling fans with his skill and flair, and his move to Arsenal now marks the end of a transformative era in south London.
Pre-Match Speculation Turns into Surprise
Palace manager Oliver Glasner had initially confirmed that Eze would start in the Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Norwegian side Fredrikstad.
However, speculation swirled throughout Thursday, and when the team sheet was released, Eze’s name was nowhere to be seen.
“I expected that he would start today,” Glasner admitted.
“But he called me this morning and said he doesn’t feel well. Of course I have to accept it.”
The Austrian coach also expressed frustration, noting the difficulty of changing the starting XI on such a historic night.
After the match, Glasner made it clear that Eze would not feature for Palace again.
“Ebs will not play for us anymore so it does not make sense to talk about him. It’s gone,” he said.
A Heroic Legacy at Selhurst Park
Even in absentia, Eze’s impact was impossible to ignore.
Over five years, he has developed into a Premier League star and England international, leaving a lasting imprint on the club.
Fans at Selhurst Park made their feelings clear, showing love and appreciation for the midfielder despite his absence on the pitch.
The focus on Eze and other transfer speculation, including Liverpool’s interest in captain Marc Guehi, threatened to overshadow Palace’s historic European debut.
Yet the supporters ensured the atmosphere remained electric, booing the Conference League anthem and chanting their frustrations about Palace’s Europa League demotion.
Palace Struggles Without Their Creative Spark
On the field, Palace started brightly but lacked the creativity Eze usually provides.
Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the post, and Ismaila Sarr forced a strong save from Fredrikstad goalkeeper Martin Borsheim.
By half-time, there was a sense that Eze’s absence was being felt, especially in the final third.
Glasner remained resolute, insisting that the withdrawal did not derail the team.
He called for action in the transfer market and lamented the squad’s lack of depth.
“We have 10 days to strengthen. I can’t sign the players but we have to act and we need this.
This is Crystal Palace’s future,” he said.
Will Hughes and Mateta Step Up
The breakthrough came thanks to an unlikely hero.
Will Hughes’ shot was deflected into the net by Mateta, giving Palace a 1-0 lead and sparking jubilant celebrations.
Daniel Munoz came close to doubling the advantage, hitting the post, but Fredrikstad held firm, nearly equalising in the final moments.
The tie remains alive heading into next week’s second leg in Norway.
Match Facts: Crystal Palace 1-0 Fredrikstad
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson, Guehi, Lacroix, Lerma, Sosa, Hughes, Wharton, Munoz, Devenny (Edouard), Sarr, Mateta
Subs not used: Matthews, Benitez, Clyne, Richards, Cardines, Mitchell, Esse, Rak-Sakyi
Goals: Mateta (54′)
Manager: Oliver Glasner
Fredrikstad (5-4-1): Borsheim, Eid, S. Owusu (Kvile), Fredriksen, Woledzi, Molde, Ohlenschlaeger (Bjartalid), L. Owusu (Shein), Metcalfe, Sorlokk (Skogvold), Holten (Nunez)
Subs not used: Ovretveit, Langbraten, Okpaleke, Rafn, Begby, Solberg, Granaas
Booked: Fredriksen, Eid
Manager: Andreas Hagan
Referee: Anastasios Papapetrou
Looking Ahead: Life After Eze
While Palace celebrates its European debut and recent domestic successes, the club now faces a new chapter without Eze.
His influence over five years has been undeniable, and as Glasner navigates squad adjustments and potential departures, the focus will be on building a team capable of thriving in both domestic and European competitions.
