UEFA Europa Conference League
5:45 p.mFebruary 19, 2026
Round of 32
Stadium under Bijelim Brijeg
Referee: Manfredas Lukjancukas, Lithuania
Zrinjski
Crystal Palace
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.24
Expected Goals (xG)
0.80
Passing by
163 (64%)
Accurate passes
565 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
18
G
Goran Karacic
7.9
12
d
Petar Mamic
7.0
d
Duje Dujmović
70′ Holding
21
d
Igor Savić
6.6
4
d
Hrvoje Barišić (C)
6.5
d
Marko Vranjkovic
84′ Holdingm
Leo Mikić
55′
20
m
Antonio Ivancic
6.7
30
m
Nor Đurasek
6.3
m
Karlo Abramović
55′
25
F
Mario Ćuže
6.7
Substitutes
15
F
Antonio Arapovic
90
F
Tony Magic
22
F
Bye Nalic
23
m
Stefano Surdanovic
42
m
Marijan Ćavar
6
d
David Karacic
1
G
Matthew Bogdan
32
G
I have Sajko
F
Tomi Jurić
90+4′ Replaced by M. Cuzem
Lagumdzi Day
90′ Replaced by A. IvancicF
Matej Šakota
76′ Replaced by L. Mikicd
Kerim Memija
76′ Replaced by K. Abramovic
1
G
Dean Henderson (C)
6.5
34
d
Chad Riad
6.2
5
d
Maxence Lacroix
7.0
26
d
Chris Richards
7.0
24
m
Salsa Borna
6.9
18
m
Daichi Kamada
6.9
20
m
Adam Wharton
6.7
2
m
Daniel Muñoz
6.3
11
F
Brennan Johnson
6.5
F
Ismaila Sarr
44′
F
Jørgen Strand Larsen
45′ Unsportsmanlike conduct 44′
UEFA Europa Conference League Classification – UEFA Conference League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – League Conference (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – League Conference (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Zrinjski secured a spectacular 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, boosted by Karlo Abramović’s second-half equaliser.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina – HŠK Zrinjski Mostar earned a 1-1 draw against Premier League giants Crystal Palace in an enthralling UEFA Europa Conference League clash on 19 February 2026. The Bosnian champions, often considered underdogs against English opposition, showed immense character to come from behind at a vibrant Stadion Brijego Podm Bijelim.
The expected encounter saw Crystal Palace arrive as favourites. Zrinjski looked to build on their home advantage in what was a crucial first-leg tie in the knockout rounds. Both teams have tried to gain a foothold in the competition with a positive result.
Crystal Palace started the match dominating possession, asserting their Premier League status. Zrinjski, however, remained compact defensively, soaking up pressure and looking for opportunities on the counter-attack. The home side’s discipline kept the visitors at bay for the first half hour.
Just before the break, Palace found their breakthrough. In the 44th minute, Ismaïla Sarr received a well-placed pass from JS Larsen. Sarr then fired a pinpoint shot past the Zrinjski keeper, putting the Eagles ahead.
The momentum shifted slightly moments later when Larsen was booked for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 45th minute. This minor disciplinary issue gave Zrinjski some hope heading into the half.
Palace held a slender one-goal lead at the break. Zrinjski knew he needed a strong response to avoid going into the second leg at a disadvantage. The home fans rallied their team, anticipating a spirited performance in the second half.
Zrinjski left the dressing room with renewed determination. Their efforts quickly paid off in the 55th minute when Karlo Abramović equalized. Leo Mikic provided the assist and laid the ball to Abramović, who headed it home to thrill the home crowd.
The match became more and more physical after the draw. Zrinjski’s D. Dujmovic was shown a yellow card for holding in the 70th minute. The Palau coach made tactical changes, introducing M. Lacroix and B. Johnson in the 64th minute to regain control. Zrinjski responded with a double substitution in the 76th minute, including their goalscorer Abramović, coming on for K. Memija and M. Sakota.
As the match entered its final phase, both teams pressed for a winner. Zrinjski’s M. Vranjkovic received a yellow card in the 84th minute for another holding offence. Despite late efforts and fresh substitutions from both benches, neither team could find the decisive goal.
Statistically, Crystal Palace dominated possession with 72% compared to Zrinjski’s 28%. The visitors also registered 11 total shots to Zrinjski’s 5. However, Zrinjski’s expected goals (xG) were higher at 1.24 compared to Palace’s 0.8, highlighting the quality of their chances. Zrinjski goalkeeper Goran Karačić was a standout player, making four crucial saves.
The 1-1 draw is a creditable result for Zrinjski, proving their ability to compete with top European clubs. Crystal Palace will rue the missed chances but the tie remains well balanced heading into the second leg with everything to play for.
