Crystal Palace embark on their first-ever European knockout tie tonight as they face Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar at the Bijeli Brijeg Stadium.
The Eagles are seeking to reignite their season on the continent after a difficult period domestically. Despite being considered one of the favourites to lift the Conference League trophy, Oliver Glasner’s side missed out on automatic last-16 qualification after finishing 10th in the league phase. They arrive in Bosnia looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3–2 home defeat to Burnley last week.
Meanwhile, Zrinjski made history by becoming the first Bosnian club to reach the knockout stage of a major European competition, sneaking into 23rd place on goal difference. The “Nobles” are formidable at home, remaining unbeaten at the Bijeli Brijeg Stadium so far in this season’s competition.
Zrinjski Mostar vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 19 February 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: Stadion Bijeli Brijeg, Mostar
- Referee: Manfredas Lukjancukas (LTU)
- VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA)
Team News
Zrinjski Mostar
The Bosnian champions have named a strong starting XI led by experienced goalkeeper Goran Karacic. The defensive unit consists of Luka Vranjkovic, Hrvoje Barisic, Filip Dujmovic, and Petar Mamic. In midfield, Neven Djurasek and Stefan Savic provide the engine room stability alongside Franjo Abramovic. The attacking threat is spearheaded by Mario Cuze, supported by Igor Ivanovic and Niko Mikic on the flanks.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner continues to navigate a significant injury crisis. Notably, the Eagles remain without the injured trio of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eddie Nketiah, and Cheick Doucouré. Consequently, club-record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen leads the line tonight. Larsen arrives in good form after netting his first two goals for the club in last week’s domestic fixture against Burnley.
Form
Zrinjski Mostar
The hosts have proven to be a difficult side to break down in Mostar. Notably, only one of Zrinjski’s last seven competitive matches saw both teams score. They have also developed a reputation for being a late threat, having scored after the 75th minute in all three of their home Conference League fixtures this season.
Crystal Palace
The South London side showed a strong away pedigree during the earlier stages of the competition. Notably, Crystal Palace won two of their three European away matches during the league phase. However, they are searching for defensive stability after conceding three times in their last domestic outing. Tonight marks the first-ever competitive meeting between these two sides.
Confirmed Starting Lineups
Zrinjski Mostar (4-3-3): Karacic; Vranjkovic, Barisic, Dujmovic, Mamic; Djurasek, Savic, Abramovic; Ivanovic, Mikic, Cuze
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad, Sosa; Munoz, Wharton; Kamada, Sarr, Johnson; Larsen
How to Watch Zrinjski Mostar vs Crystal Palace?
The match is currently being broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 3 and is available to stream via the discovery+ app.
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