AFCON 2025
Crystal Palace marked their long-awaited European debut with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Norwegian side Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park.
Jean-Philippe Mateta rose highest in the second half to nod home the decisive goal, ensuring Oliver Glasner’s men take a slim lead into next week’s return leg.
The Eagles were without star midfielder Eberechi Eze, who is on the verge of a £67.5m move to Arsenal, and their lack of creative spark showed at times, but Palace’s resilience ensured a memorable first night on the continental stage.
Elsewhere, Fiorentina produced the standout away performance of the evening, sweeping aside Polissya 3–0 in Ukraine to put one foot in the group stage.
AZ Alkmaar also enjoyed a strong night on the road, defeating Levski Sofia 2–0, while Spain’s Rayo Vallecano marked their first European appearance in 25 years with a gritty 1–0 victory over Neman Grodno in Belarus.
In Istanbul, Universitatea Craiova stunned Başakşehir with a 2–1 away win, while Sparta Praha proved too strong at home, dispatching Riga 2–0.
Hungary’s Győri ETO edged past Rapid Vienna 2–1 in one of the evening’s tighter contests, while Maltese side Hamrun Spartans delighted their fans with a narrow 1–0 triumph over Latvian visitors RFS. Raków Częstochowa also kept things tight, sealing a 1–0 win over Arda.
