Crystal Palace secured a narrow 1-0 advantage over Fredrikstad FK in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off first leg, setting the tone for a dramatic second leg next Thursday. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half strike proved decisive for the English side in a closely-fought contest.
Elsewhere, BK Häcken delivered a stunning attacking display, demolishing CFR Cluj 7-2 away from home. Meanwhile, Fiorentina also impressed with a commanding 3-0 victory over FC Polissya, reinforcing their status as early contenders to progress to the group stage.
Other notable results include Rosenborg BK claiming a 2-1 win over FSV Mainz 05; Hamrun Spartans edging RFS 1-0; and ETO FC Győr securing a 2-1 win against SK Rapid Vienna. Wolfsberger AC also pulled off a narrow 2-1 victory over Omonoia FC.
Universitatea Craiova pulled off an away win at İstanbul Başakşehir (2-1), while NK Olimpija Ljubljana fell 1-4 at home to FC Noah. PFC Levski Sofia were thrashed 0-2 by AZ Alkmaar.
Some matches ended in stalemates, notably Racing Club de Strasbourg vs Brøndby IF (0-0), FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs Servette FC (1-1), and RSC Anderlecht vs AEK Athens FC (1-1). Elsewhere, NK Celje held a 1-0 edge over Baník Ostrava, and FC Neman Grodno succumbed 0-1 to Rayo Vallecano.
Other highlights from the night say Shelbourne FC beating Linfield FC 3-1, Raków Częstochowa edging Arda Kardzhali 1-0, Legia Warszawa defeating Hibernian 2-1, and hamrock Rovers edging Santa Clara 2-1. Finally, FC Drita beat Differdange 2-1, and Breiðablik edged Virtus A.C. 2-1.
