THEY were demoted before they had kicked a ball and robbed of their star player on the morning of the match. Yet Crystal Palace’s maiden European adventure still began with a victory at a rocking,

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was left delighted after their Europa Conference League playoff win against Fredrikstad.

Crystal Palace achieved yet another moment of history, claiming their first-ever European victory as they defeated Fredrikstad 1-0, giving them the advantage ahead of their trip to Norway next week.

Glasner, speaking on Channel 5 ahead of the first leg at Selhurst Park, admitted that he expected Eberechi Eze to start for Palace against Fredrikstad. However, the manager revealed that Eze called him and told him he did not feel well enough to play in the match.

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta was full of pride proving the matchwinner in their Europa Conference League playoff with Fredrikstad.