Eze Sidelined as Mateta Strike Seals Narrow Palace Win Over Fredrikstad

CRYSTAL PALACE 1-0 FREDRIKSTAD | CONFERENCE LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FIRST LEG

A first-half goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Crystal Palace a slender advantage to take to Norway, but the pre-season friendly was overshadowed by the absence of key playmaker Eberechi Eze.

In their first outing of the summer, the Eagles laboured to a 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Fredrikstad at a sun-drenched Selhurst Park in the first leg of their unofficial play-off for a place in the upcoming Conference League.

The major team news came before a ball was kicked, with Eze not included in the matchday squad. The creative midfielder, so crucial to Palace's attack, was reportedly left out as a precautionary measure. His absence was felt throughout, as Oliver Glasner’s side often lacked their customary fluency in the final third.

The decisive moment arrived just after the half-hour mark. A moment of incisive play saw new signing Chadi Riad, making his home debut, thread a perfectly weighted through-ball into the path of Mateta. The French striker, in red-hot form since Glasner's arrival, made no mistake, slotting a composed finish past the Fredrikstad goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

Despite controlling large periods of the match, Palace struggled to convert their possession into a more comfortable lead. The visitors from the Eliteserien defended resolutely and posed a occasional threat on the counter-attack, ensuring the south London club's backline had to remain alert.

The result leaves the tie delicately poised for the second leg in Norway next week. While Palace will be pleased with a clean sheet and a win to build fitness, they will know a more clinical performance will be required to secure passage into the competition proper, especially with hopes high for Eze's swift return to the fold.

The Key Takeaway: Palace secure a narrow win but miss the creative spark of Eze, making the second leg in Norway far from a foregone conclusion.