Crystal Palace were forced to settle for a draw against Zrinjski Mostar despite controlling much of the first leg of their Conference League play-off encounter.
The visitors dominated possession, enjoying more than 70% of the ball, and looked set to claim what would have been their first knockout victory in a major European competition. Ismaila Sarr put them in front shortly before the break with a composed finish.
However, Oliver Glasner’s side was punished for a careless start to the second half. In the 55th minute, Karlo Abramovic finished past Dean Henderson after Leo Mikic’s powerful run, ensuring the contest remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg at Selhurst Park on 26 February (20:00 GMT).
Palace control first half but miss chances
Following an eight-day pause without FA Cup action, Glasner selected a strong XI featuring Adam Wharton, Brennan Johnson, and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Palace began on the front foot and nearly opened the scoring inside seven minutes when Sarr struck a volley at Goran Karacic. Shortly afterwards, Wharton saw an effort flash narrowly wide as the Premier League side continued to apply pressure.
Sarr did have the ball in the net after 12 minutes, reacting quickly to a loose ball and finishing from close range, but the effort was disallowed. Chris Richards had delivered the cross from an offside position before the Senegal forward converted at the far post.
Despite the visitors’ dominance, Zrinjski produced occasional threats. Daniel Munoz was required to make a crucial defensive intervention, while Antonio Ivancic fired over following a clever cushioned header by Mario Cuze.
Palace’s persistence was rewarded two minutes before halftime when Strand Larsen’s sharp first touch created the opportunity for Sarr to curl home and register his third goal of the campaign in the competition.
Second-half setback leaves tie level
The hosts responded 10 minutes after the restart. A misplaced pass from Wharton allowed Zrinjski to break, and Abramovic drove his shot into the far corner to draw the sides level.
Wharton nearly redeemed himself in the closing stages, striking the crossbar from a distance as Palace searched for a decisive goal. Richards also missed a clear chance, heading wide from a corner despite being unmarked inside the area.
There was late anxiety for the English side when the referee reviewed a potential handball by Munoz nine minutes from time. The decision ultimately favoured Palace, leaving the score unchanged.
Both teams will now head to south London with the tie evenly poised for next week’s second leg.