Strasbourg Fight Back to Stun Crystal Palace in Conference League

StrasbourgStrasbourg

Strasbourg came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1, with 19-year-old Samir El Mourabet scoring his first senior goal to seal a huge UEFA Conference League win.

Crystal Palace struck first ten minutes before the break, Jean-Philippe Mateta holding off Lucas Hogsberg before setting up Tyrick Mitchell to guide in a calm finish.

The visitors nearly doubled their lead moments later, but Ismaila Sarr’s long-range attempt hit the inside of the post after goalkeeper Mike Penders had strayed out of position.

Penders redeemed himself with a key save just before half-time, and Strasbourg made the most of it early in the second half when Diego Moreira’s bursting run set up Emmanuel Emegha to level the game.

Palace almost retook the lead through Adam Wharton, only for his effort to clip the crossbar with Penders out of position again.

Strasbourg capitalised once more in the 77th minute. Julio Enciso’s free-kick rattled the bar and fell perfectly for El Mourabet to convert with composure.

Dean Henderson made late stops to keep Palace alive, but Strasbourg held firm to move to 10 points from four matches.

Crystal Palace remain four points back after seeing their five-game unbeaten run end.