Crystal Palace Secure European Progress - Can They Conquer the Conference League?

Palace advance to the Conference League group stage amid growing optimism, but squad challenges loom for their historic European campaign.

By Chris Posiano

August 29, 2025 at 2:33 AM

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Crystal Palace achieved a significant milestone in their European journey with a 0-0 draw at Fredrikstad, securing a 1-0 aggregate victory in the Conference League play-off. The result – confirmed on manager Oliver Glasner's 51st birthday – marks the club's first entry into a European competition's league phase.

The Eagles now await Friday's draw to discover their six opponents in the revamped league format. Their recent form – a club-record 13-game unbeaten run – combined with Glasner's European pedigree as a Europa League-winning manager with Eintracht Frankfurt, has fueled optimism about their continental prospects.

A Foundation for Success

Palace enter the competition with stronger credentials than many rivals, having recently claimed both the FA Cup and Community Shield. Glasner emphasized this achievement: "Reaching the group stage was our second seasonal objective – accomplishing it by August's end is tremendous."

Former Palace striker Glenn Murray told Channel 5: "With Glasner's European experience, they possess special leadership. I believe they'll balance domestic and continental commitments effectively."

Challenges Ahead

While the Conference League has proven accessible to clubs like West Ham and Roma in recent seasons, Palace face immediate obstacles:

A depleted squad with only 3 substitute starters having significant Premier League experience
Potential departure of captain Marc Guehi amid Liverpool's interest
Limited summer signings so far (only £3m spent on Borna Sosa)

The club has until Monday's transfer deadline to strengthen their roster for the demanding Thursday-Sunday fixture schedule.

"We're an ambitious club ready to make history in Europe," declared defender Chris Richards, capturing the squad's mentality.

As Palace prepare for their European debut on October 2, Glasner remains focused on immediate Premier League duties: "While others monitor the draw, we're analyzing Aston Villa for Sunday's match."

With strategic recruitment before the transfer window closes and Glasner's tactical expertise, the South London club could indeed become serious contenders in Europe's third-tier competition.