Crystal Palace have shown their prowess in Dublin, dispatching Shelbourne with a convincing display that has all but secured their place in the Conference League playoffs. Despite arriving without several key players, including star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and marauding wing-back Daniel Muñoz, who both suffered knee injuries, Palace's 1-0 win was a testament to the growing depth of Oliver Glasner's squad.
Christantus Uche, on his second start for the club since joining on loan from Getafe, bagged the only goal of the game with a well-taken finish into the far corner. Fellow striker Eddie Nketiah continued his scoring form, netting for the third consecutive game as Palace dominated possession and control throughout.
Shelbourne, who had never won a European match before, were left reeling by Palace's onslaught, with even their most experienced players struggling to cope with the pace and quality of the visitors. Manager Joey O'Brien urged his side to take advantage of the occasion in front of a packed crowd, but they were powerless against Palace's well-drilled unit.
Glasner's decision to play a weakened team, with only 15 senior outfield players available due to injuries, raised questions about the future of some fringe players. However, it was heartening to see Uche spark into life, and Nketiah continued his impressive form. With several key matches still to come in December, including a final group stage match against KuPS, Glasner will be delighted with the progress made by his side.
The win marked Palace's first European success of the campaign, but it was a sobering reminder that much work remains to be done before the Eagles can make a meaningful impact on the continent. Nonetheless, tonight's victory has sent a positive message and suggests that Palace are poised for a successful tournament run.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne have earned a historic qualification to the league stage of a European competition, although they will now have to regroup after this disappointing defeat. Manager O'Brien will take heart from his side's plucky display but knows that further progress will require significant improvement if they are to overcome Palace in their upcoming playoff match.
Christantus Uche, on his second start for the club since joining on loan from Getafe, bagged the only goal of the game with a well-taken finish into the far corner. Fellow striker Eddie Nketiah continued his scoring form, netting for the third consecutive game as Palace dominated possession and control throughout.
Shelbourne, who had never won a European match before, were left reeling by Palace's onslaught, with even their most experienced players struggling to cope with the pace and quality of the visitors. Manager Joey O'Brien urged his side to take advantage of the occasion in front of a packed crowd, but they were powerless against Palace's well-drilled unit.
Glasner's decision to play a weakened team, with only 15 senior outfield players available due to injuries, raised questions about the future of some fringe players. However, it was heartening to see Uche spark into life, and Nketiah continued his impressive form. With several key matches still to come in December, including a final group stage match against KuPS, Glasner will be delighted with the progress made by his side.
The win marked Palace's first European success of the campaign, but it was a sobering reminder that much work remains to be done before the Eagles can make a meaningful impact on the continent. Nonetheless, tonight's victory has sent a positive message and suggests that Palace are poised for a successful tournament run.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne have earned a historic qualification to the league stage of a European competition, although they will now have to regroup after this disappointing defeat. Manager O'Brien will take heart from his side's plucky display but knows that further progress will require significant improvement if they are to overcome Palace in their upcoming playoff match.
! It was like they were trying to win the Championship of Europe or something 
. I'm loving the depth of Oliver Glasner's squad - it's like he has an endless supply of footballers who can just drop in and score goals 
. And Christantus Uche, that guy is on fire 
! But seriously, Shelbourne should be proud they even made it this far, and Palace just showed everyone what they're working with 
. The Eagles are looking strong for the Conference League playoffs, but let's not get ahead of ourselves... or we'll end up like that one football team who thinks they can win the league every year 
they're like a well-oiled machine out there on the pitch! I mean, without their key players, they still manage to dispatch Shelbourne 1-0? That's impressive! And Christian Uche, what a talent! He's been on fire since joining the squad. Eddie Nketiah is on a roll too, scoring for three games in a row... Palace is definitely looking good for the Conference League playoffs 
. It's good to see Christantus Uche and Eddie Nketiah on fire though - those two are giving Palace a boost with their goals. The question is, how long can Glasner keep his team fresh with all these injuries? Maybe they'll make it in the playoffs, but we'll see 
and Eddie Nketiah is on fire 
. Maybe Palace can give them a run for their money in the playoff match?