Crystal Palace Beat Fredrikstad: Eze Absent, Mateta Scores!

By: Marcelo Colombo Published On: 22/08/2025

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Crystal Palace secure important victory against Fredrikstad in Conference League play-off first leg, winning 1-0. Jean-Philippe Mateta scores the decisive goal after Eberechi Eze's surprise absence.

Eze's Arsenal Move Looms

Eberechi Eze's absence dominated pre-match discussions, with rumours of a transfer to Arsenal swirling. Manager Oliver Glasner revealed Eze felt "not ready to play," fueling speculation about an imminent move. Despite the transfer buzz, Eze attended the match at Selhurst Park.

Mateta's Header Seals the Win

Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up in Eze's absence, scoring a crucial goal in the second half. He cleverly redirected Will Hughes' shot with his head, giving Palace a valuable lead. Mateta had earlier hit the post, showcasing his attacking threat.

Devenny Ready to Step Up

Justin Devenny, Eze's late replacement, expressed his determination to prove the squad has sufficient quality to compensate for Eze's potential departure. He emphasized the importance of focusing on each game and not getting carried away by the bigger picture.

Looking Ahead

Crystal Palace face a busy schedule, with the second leg against Fredrikstad and a Premier League match against Nottingham Forest looming. They aim to maintain their focus and continue their winning momentum. Devenny stated, "It's a win at the end of the day, so we're happy about that. We still got another game to look forward to."

Conference League Hopes

With English clubs having previously won the Conference League, hopes are high for Crystal Palace. However, they must first secure qualification by winning the second leg against Fredrikstad. The team is determined to take it one game at a time and strive for success in the competition.