Crystal Palace started their first-ever European campaign on a perfect note on Thursday, with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kyiv. Daniel Munoz headed in the opener in the first half, while Eddie Nketiah scored for the second time in a week to double the lead in the second half, as the Eagles extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches, a new club-record.
First half
The match started at a slow pace as both sides eyes opening wins to kickstart their campaign. However, it was the English side who struck first in the 31st minute through Daniel Munoz, who delivered a stunning header after a cross by Yeremy Pino. The goal also marked Palace’s first-ever away goal in European competition, as they set the early tone before the interval.
Second half
The Eagles brought on Eddie Nketiah after his weekend heroics at half time, for Jean-Philippe Mateta. The former Arsenal man soon got on the scoresheet minutes later, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. He was not to be denied moments later, as he got on the end of another sublime cross by the outstanding Pino, to score his side’s second of the night. They were reduced to ten-men late on, after Borna Sosa was sent off for a second bookable offense, but they hung on to secure a comfortable 2-0 win to begin their Conference League campaign on a great note.
Player Ratings:
•Dean Henderson (GK)- 6/10
•Marc Guehi – 8/10
•Will Hughes – 7/10
•Maxence Lacroix – 7/10
•Daniel Munoz – 9/10
•Daichi Kamada – 7/10
•Chris Richards – 7/10
• Borna Sosa – 5/10
•Yeremy Pino – 9/10
•Adam Wharton – 8/10
•Jean-Philippe Mateta – 6/10
Substitutes:
•Eddie Nketiah – 7/10
•Jefferson Lerma – 6/10
•Ismaila Sarr – 6/10
•Justin Devenny – 6/10
Man of the Match:
Yeremy Pino (9/10): The summer signing put in his best performance for the Eagles with two sublime assists for both goals.
Key Stats
•Possession: Dynamo Kyiv 46% – 54% Crystal Palace
•Shots: Dynamo Kyiv 9 – 14 Crystal Palace
•Shots on target: Dynamo Kyiv 1 – 7 Crystal Palace
•xG: Dynamo Kyiv 0.53 – 1.96 Crystal Palace
Records
Crystal Palace extended their unbeaten record to 19 games, setting a new club-record in the process. Daniel Munoz also netted their first-ever away goal in Europe, while they recorded a comfortable win on their European debut.
What next?
Dynamo Kyiv return to action in the Ukraine league on Sunday with a clash against Metalist 1925. Crystal Palace on the other hand, travel to Merseyside to play Everton in the English Premier League on the same day.
