When Oliver Glasner, manager of Crystal Palace watched his side break a club‑record unbeaten run, the excitement was palpable. On at Motor Lublin Arena in Lublin, Poland, the English side topped displaced Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kyiv 2‑0 in the opening match of the UEFA Conference LeagueLublin. Goals from Colombian right‑back Daniel Muñoz and English striker Edward Nketiah, both opened by Spanish winger Yéremi Pino, sent Palace fans into a rare celebratory haze.
Match Overview
The 2‑0 win wasn’t just a tidy scoreline – it set a new benchmark for Crystal Palace. The club’s unbeaten streak stretched to 19 games across all competitions, eclipsing the 18‑match run they managed in 1969. Possession tilted slightly in Palace’s favour (54 % to 46 %), but the real story lay in efficiency: 1.53 expected goals (xG) versus 0.45 for the hosts, and 13 shots to Kyiv’s nine.
Belarusian‑born referee Lothar D'hondt kept a tight ship, though the drama peaked in the 75th minute when Croatian left‑back Borna Sosa collected two yellows within three minutes, earning a dismissal that left Kyiv shorthanded for the final stretch.
Key Moments and Goal Analysis
The opening goal arrived in the 31st minute. A low cross from the left wing, delivered by Yéremi Pino, curled past the Kyiv back line. Muñoz timed his run to perfection, meeting the ball with a first‑time finish that left goalkeeper Ruslan Neshcheret sprawling.
Palace doubled the lead at the hour mark. After a period of midfield tussling, Pino again found space on the flank, sending a pinpoint square ball into the box. Nketiah slipped into the spot and slotted home with a calm finish, putting the game beyond Kyiv’s reach.
Post‑goal, Palace’s defense held firm. Despite the red card, the team kept Kyiv at bay, forcing the Ukrainian side’s first shot on target only in added time – a corner header by right‑back Oleksandr Karavaiev that was comfortably saved by Dean Henderson.
Tactical Breakdown
Glasner opted for a 4‑2‑3‑1 set‑up, trusting the experience of centre‑backs Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix to nullify Kyiv’s attacking threat. In midfield, the pairing of Adam Wharton and Will Hughes balanced youthful energy with veteran composure.
Palace’s width came largely from full‑backs Muñoz and Borna Sosa, who overlapped the wingers and supplied crossing lanes. The Spanish winger Pino proved the linchpin, not only providing the assists but also stretching Kyiv’s back line with his diagonal runs.
Kyiv, forced to play home matches away from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict, stuck to a 3‑5‑2 shape. Their attempt to dominate midfield through the likes of Volodymyr Brazhko was stifled by Palace’s pressing, and the lack of a clear focal point in attack left them wandering after the first half.
Reactions and Implications
Glasner, speaking after the final whistle, was cautious yet upbeat: “I’m proud we could start the Conference League away against a very good opponent, but I don’t think about the unbeaten run – it’s already happened.” The comment underlined his focus on the competition rather than the record.
Palace’s victory builds on a remarkable season that already saw them claim the FA Cup and the Community Shield, plus a 2‑1 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool just days earlier. The win also makes Muñoz the first Palace player to score an away goal in European competition – a historic footnote for a club that only recently entered the continental arena.
For Kyiv, the result deepens the pressure on a side still adjusting to life in exile. Their three injured regulars – centre‑back Denys Popov, midfielder Mykola Mykhaylenko, and winger Vladyslav Kabayev – left the squad thin, and the red card to Sosa compounded the frustration.
Looking Ahead
Palace’s next fixture comes on , when they travel to face Lazio in Rome. Maintaining the unbeaten streak will be a litmus test for Glasner’s squad depth, especially with three players still nursing injuries.
Kyiv’s upcoming match against St Gilles‑Weert will be a chance to reset, but the broader question remains: how long can the displaced Ukrainian champions stay competitive while their home ground remains out of reach?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Crystal Palace’s chances in the Conference League?
The opening victory gives Palace three points and a positive goal difference, putting them at the top of Group A. More importantly, it signals that the team can perform under pressure away from home – a crucial factor in a tournament where travel and unfamiliar venues are the norm.
What challenges does Dynamo Kyiv face as a displaced club?
Kyiv’s main hurdles are logistical: training facilities, fan support, and the psychological strain of playing far from their home city. The loss of key players to injury compounds these issues, making squad rotation and cohesion harder to achieve.
Who were the standout performers for Palace?
Yéremi Pino earned Player of the Match for his creative width and two assists. Daniel Muñoz’s goal marked a historic first for the club, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson kept a clean sheet with a crucial save on the late corner.
When is Palace’s next European match and who are they playing?
Palace travel to Rome on October 23, 2025, to face Serie A side Lazio. The encounter will test their defensive solidity after a red card incident in Lublin.
What does the red card to Borna Sosa mean for Kyiv’s lineup?
Sosa’s dismissal forces Kyiv to rely on a more defensive formation for the remainder of the match, limiting their attacking options and contributing to their lack of shots on target.