Zrinjski secures a dramatic 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, fueled by Karlo Abramović's second-half equalizer.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina – HŠK Zrinjski Mostar clinched a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Premier League giants Crystal Palace in a captivating UEFA Europa Conference League clash on February 19, 2026. The Bosnian champions, often considered underdogs against English opposition, showed immense character to come from behind at a vibrant Stadion Pod Bijelim Brijegom.
The eagerly anticipated encounter saw Crystal Palace arrive as favorites. Zrinjski aimed to leverage their home advantage in what was a crucial first leg tie in the knockout rounds. Both sides sought to gain a foothold in the competition with a positive result.
Crystal Palace started the match commanding possession, asserting their Premier League quality. Zrinjski, however, remained defensively compact, absorbing pressure and looking for opportunities on the counter-attack. The disciplined home side kept the visitors largely at bay through the first half hour.
Just before the break, Palace found their breakthrough. In the 44th minute, Ismaïla Sarr received a well-placed pass from J.S. Larsen. Sarr then fired a precise shot past the Zrinjski goalkeeper, putting the Eagles ahead.
Momentum shifted slightly moments later as Larsen picked up a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 45th minute. This minor disciplinary issue offered Zrinjski a glimmer of hope heading into halftime.
Palace held a slender one-goal lead at the interval. Zrinjski knew they needed a strong response to avoid going into the second leg at a disadvantage. The home supporters rallied their team, anticipating a spirited second-half performance.
Zrinjski emerged from the locker room with renewed determination. Their efforts paid off swiftly in the 55th minute when Karlo Abramović struck the equalizer. Leo Mikic provided the assist, slotting the ball to Abramović, who guided it home to send the home crowd into raptures.
The match grew increasingly physical after the equalizer. Zrinjski's D. Dujmovic received a yellow card for holding in the 70th minute. Palace manager made tactical shifts, introducing M. Lacroix and B. Johnson in the 64th minute to regain control. Zrinjski responded with a double substitution in the 76th minute, including their goalscorer Abramović, bringing on K. Memija and M. Sakota.
As the game entered its final stages, both teams pushed for a winner. M. Vranjkovic of Zrinjski collected a yellow card in the 84th minute for another holding offense. Despite late efforts and further substitutions from both benches, neither side could find the decisive goal.
Statistically, Crystal Palace dominated possession with 72% compared to Zrinjski's 28%. The visitors also registered 11 total shots to Zrinjski's 5. However, Zrinjski's expected goals (xG) stood higher at 1.24 compared to Palace's 0.8, highlighting the quality of their chances. Zrinjski goalkeeper Goran Karačić was a standout performer, making four crucial saves.
The 1-1 draw is a creditable result for Zrinjski, showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier European clubs. Crystal Palace will rue missed opportunities, but the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg, with everything still to play for.
