Strasbourg 2, Crystal Palace 1: Eagles squander lead, European hopes hang by a thread just two points from elimination!

Table of Contents

• Match Summary
• Key Players
• Match Highlights

STRASBOURG played "Three Lions" over the loudspeaker before kick-off – then halted Crystal Palace's hopes of bringing football home.

Following defeats for Newcastle in Marseille and Tottenham at Paris Saint-Germain, the Eagles ensured a dismal week ended with France defeating England 3-0.

Emanuel Emegha scored the equalizer for Strasbourg against Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty

Tyrick Mitchell’s low, angled shot put the visitors ahead before Emanuel Emegha and Samir El Mourabet turned the game around in the second half.

However, Oliver Glasner’s team certainly had enough glorious opportunities to secure three points, including two instances of hitting the woodwork from open goals.

Much like his six-month loan at Selhurst Park earlier this year, Ben Chilwell started on the bench for Strasbourg in a match many expect to be the final one in May.

Or Ben Chillywell, in 2°C temperatures.

Manager Liam Rosenior, who fervently denied that his team is merely Chelsea-B, did not include anyone over the age of 23 in his starting lineup.

Jean-Philippe Mateta attempted to replicate a Richarlison moment early on, but on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders was ready to respond.

Strasbourg then came close twice, largely due to the impressive efforts of the persistent threat, Sebastian Nanasi.

The Stade de la Meinau erupted when the passionate ultras concluded their 15-minute silent protest against BlueCo ownership with a chorus of chanting, jumping, waving scarves, and flares.

However, Mitchell silenced them again ten minutes before halftime.

Mateta held the ball up brilliantly and threaded it behind Guela Doue, Desire’s brother, with wing-back Mitchell delivering a superb drilled shot.

Seconds later, it was agonizingly close to 2-0.

Penders found himself caught in no-man’s land after a misplaced backpass, allowing Sarr an open goal from 35 yards.

His shot hit the inside of the post and cruelly rolled across the line.

Yeremy Pino then forced a reaction save from Penders, and it could have been three within five minutes.

Chilwell came on as a left centre-back just before the break, while Eagles captain Marc Guehi was substituted as part of a pre-planned half-time change.

Within eight minutes, Strasbourg equalized when former Chelsea player Diego Moreira delivered a cross for future Chelsea player Emegha to finish at the back post.

History repeated itself when substitute Adam Wharton intercepted Ismael Doukoure on the edge of the box and struck the crossbar with Penders out of position.

It happened again when Pino should have scored after Ismaila Sarr’s dummy, but Penders made the save.

At the other end, Strasbourg capitalized on Palace's mistakes.

A free-kick following a harsh handball call against Maxence Lacroix hit the bar, and El Mourabet was quickest to react, poking the ball in.