Overview

• A 0-0 second leg at Fredrikstad Stadion sealed progression after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-leg header delivered the 1-0 aggregate margin.
• Palace produced a controlled defensive display, with Fredrikstad failing to register a shot on target in the decisive match.
• The result extends Palace’s unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 matches, equalling their longest streak as a top-flight club.
• Daichi Kamada returned from a knee injury ahead of schedule to bolster a squad restricted to around 14 fit senior players.
• Players trained on the AstroTurf surface to adapt for the away leg, reflecting a pragmatic approach that prioritised preserving the lead.