Crystal Palace held in Bosnia

Crystal Palace were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by HŠK Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League knockout play-off at Stadion Bijeli Brijeg on Thursday night.

The Premier League side dominated possession with more than 70% of the ball and looked on course for victory when Ismaïla Sarr fired them ahead two minutes before half-time. 

His strike, set up by a sharp first touch from Jørgen Strand Larsen, capped a strong opening period in which Palace repeatedly threatened the hosts’ defence.

Palace had earlier seen a goal ruled out when Sarr turned home from close range, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside against Chris Richards in the build-up. 

Adam Wharton also went close during a lively first half, while Sarr tested goalkeeper Goran Karačić as Oliver Glasner’s side pressed for an early breakthrough.

Despite their control, Palace were punished 10 minutes into the second half. 

A misplaced pass from Wharton allowed Zrinjski to break, and Karlo Abramović rifled a precise finish beyond Dean Henderson after being picked out by Leo Mikić to level the tie at 1-1.

The equaliser shifted momentum briefly, but Palace soon resumed their dominance. 

Wharton struck the crossbar as he searched for his first goal for the club, and Richards headed wide from a promising position. 

The visitors were also relieved when a late handball check against Daniel Muñoz did not result in a penalty for the home side.

With the tie finely poised, attention now turns to the second leg at Selhurst Park on 26 February, where Palace will look to convert their superiority into a decisive victory and secure progression to the next round.

Elsewhere, Murillo (21 minutes), Igor Jesus (43 minutes), and M. Gibbs-White (50 minutes) were on target as Nottingham Forest beat Fenerbahce in the Europa League.