Crystal Palace FC's first-ever major European adventure is underway, as we battle to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## Our Senegalese Sarr

> Ismaïla Sarr became the club’s third signing of the 2024/25 summer transfer window after joining on a five-year deal from Olympique de Marseille.

The 26-year-old attacker possesses plenty of experience of English football, having spent four years at Watford – recording 34 goals and 22 assists in 131 games – prior to joining Marseille, whom he helped reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season.

Sarr's career began in French football with Metz, before moving to Rennes and leading the club into Europe, as well as winning their first Coupe de France in almost half a century.

At international level, he has been a mainstay of the Senegal national side, earning 64 caps, scoring 13 goals and winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

His career has also been defined by his eye for the spectacular, having won Goal of the Season awards in both the Football League and the Europa League.

Sarr was ever-present in every Premier League matchday squad in his first season at the club, playing in all 38 games, while also featuring in a further nine cup games. He scored 11 goals across all competitions, with eight additional assists - including a stunning effort against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and a brace against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final.

2022/23, Watford (v West Bromwich Albion)

EFL Goal of the Season

Watford, 2020/21

Player of the Season

Players' Player of the Season

2018/19, Rennes (v Jablonec)

UEFA Europa League Goal of the Season

December 2024

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

Sarr

Instagram

Appearances

Goals

Sarr Previews Burnley

All Angles of Ismaïla Sarr's Goal v Brighton

The Full 90: Brighton v Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Extended Highlights: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace | Palace TV +

Match Action: Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace

Strand Larsen presents Sarr with Premier League Man of the Match

Ismaïla Sarr Returns From AFCON

Pre-match Press Conference | RC Strasbourg (A)

Extended Highlights: Crystal Palace 3-1 AZ Alkmaar | Palace TV+

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v AZ Alkmaar | Palace TV+

Sarr wins October's Goal of the Month

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 3-1 AZ Alkmaar

Goal of the month contenders | October 2025

Extended Highlights: Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Match Action: Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace

Goals Inside Box

Goals Outside Box

Right Foot

Left Foot

Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

Penalties scored

Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

Aerial duels won

Interceptions

Blocks

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Tackles won

Duels won

Clearances

Minutes

Attempted passes

Successful passes

Chances created

Crosses

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls won

Fouls Conceded

Season

Games

How Valentine’s became a stand-out date in Palace history

#### **1976 - Taylor dismantles Chelsea**

When Division Three Crystal Palace took to the Stamford Bridge turf against names such as Peter Bonetti, Ray Wilkins and Ron Harris, they knew they were entering the FA Cup Fifth Round as clear and deserving underdogs.

But while Chelsea boasted Bonetti, Wilkins and Harris, Palace had Peter Taylor, who dazzled at his mesmeric best that afternoon in SW6 - scoring twice and assisting once. 

The game’s first goal came via Nicky Chatterton - son of the iconic groundsman, Len - who poked home from six yards as Taylor’s thunderous shot cannoned off the underside of the crossbar to fall kindly to the Palace midfielder. Next up, Taylor would drive home from 20 yards out before netting a memorable free-kick from the edge of the box to seal victory and progression in the FA Cup.

After Taylor's first, the Blues did, however, pull two goals back to bring the game level at 2-2. And then came Taylor’s free-kick.

Palace were awarded a dead ball just outside the Chelsea box and, having played the standout game of his career, only one man could ever step-up to strike it.

Dave Swindlehurst burst towards the spot-kick, but he knew the score. The forward dummied a shot and ran past the ball, leaving Taylor to cooly strike home and launch the Eagles into the FA Cup quarter final, where he would assist Alan Whittle’s solitary effort to secure Palace’s first-ever Cup semi final.

“When we played Leeds, Dave Swindlehurst had an almighty long shot from the exact same position as our free-kick against Chelsea," Taylor recalled.

"I said to myself: ‘They will think he’ll hit it again’. I said to Swindy: ‘Do me a favour, please just run over it’. I’m sure Chelsea will have been thinking about how powerful he was, and then it was a different kind of free-kick."

Perhaps more memorable than Taylor’s masterclass that day, though, was Allison lifting three fingers to the Chelsea fans - famously forewarning them of the score.

#### **2004 - Johnson scores three as Palace romp to Valentine’s victory**

Andrew Johnson was in the form of his life as Stoke City travelled to Selhurst Park in 2004. So when he netted after just five minutes against the Potters, those inside SE25 may well have envisioned a busy afternoon.

Sure enough, the visiting John Eustace bagged barely a minute later and the supporters’ expectations were vindicated, with Palace and Stoke going on to bag seven more times between them.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎩🎩🎩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> in 2004 we witnessed nine goals at Selhurst Park 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/HvlOwHmP2c">pic.twitter.com/HvlOwHmP2c</a></p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1625467893491306497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fans had always been in for a high-octane treat, though, as two of the First Division’s most in-form sides butted heads in SE25. 

Palace had won five of their last six fixtures with Stoke boasting seven from nine. Both teams were hunting promotion, and both teams had left it late to make their push.

But the key figure to separate the two sides was Johnson - who struck home for the 18th time in 16 games that afternoon, later becoming the league’s top scorer on 28 goals.

The following season Johnson would come close to repeating the feat in the Premier League, bagging 21 times to finish runner-up behind Arsenal’s Thierry Henry on 25.

#### **2010 - Ambrose stunner earns underdogs a draw**

Darren Ambrose may well have been the master of the sublime, but still no one expected him to score when he approached a free-kick against Premier League Aston Villa on Valentine’s Day 2010.

It was the FA Cup fifth round: Ambrose was 35 yards out, he was facing the famous Brad Friedel and his club were plunged into administration just two weeks before.

There was no way the midfielder could or should try an audacious, risky effort as his cash-strapped club held a precious draw with League Cup finalists and top tier giants Aston Villa.

But this was Darren Ambrose, and this was an audacious, risky effort from 35 yards out.

The midfielder promptly scored.

Frustratingly, Villa would equalise through Stiliyan Petrov in the dying minutes and later go on to win the FA Cup replay.

Palace would, of course, be rescued on the last day of the season with that legendary Survival Sunday draw and the club would be saved when the CPFC 2010 consortium took over.

Amidst all the drama of that year, however, Ambrose’s free-kick remains an understated highlight.

#### ... and Happy Birthdays!

Three former Palace players celebrate their birthdays on this most romantic of days: winger **Derek Possee**, who represented the Eagles in 1973/74; midfielder **Saša Ćurčić** (a fans' favourite at Selhurst between 1998 and 1999); and former captain and Palace Player of the Season, **Scott Dann**, who turns 39-years-old today.

Happy birthday to the trio!

See our gifting guide

Over the years, Crystal Palace have enjoyed historic success on Valentine’s Day. It may only come around once a year and land on a footballing day even less frequently, but the Eagles have recorded a string of landmark performances on 14th February.

Why Palace fans love Valentine's Day

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### Summary:

- Javier Alonso makes three changes to the side that overcame Stevenage, with Dean Benamar, Charlie Walker-Smith, and Daniel Owoade making way for Jacob Fasida, Dylan Monk, and Raihaan Anderson.
- 2: Euan Danaher rattles the post from range.
- 10: Palace sustain their relentless press, continually probing and applying pressure.
- 20: It’s been evenly matched so far, with no chances of note for either side.
- 25: Stuart Oduro fizzes a strike straight down the ‘keepers throat, before Raihaan Anderson forces another stop moments later.
- 26 – GOAL: Dylan Thompson miscues the clearance into the path of Donte Martin, who rifles into the bottom corner.
- 32: Anderson drags his low effort wide from a tight-angle, before Oduro flashes the ball over the bar.
- 38: Jacob Fasida drills the free-kick low and hard under the wall, but Thompson watches it all the way and gathers.
- 45: Spurs level on the stroke of half-time, Oliver Boast.
- HT: Palace 1-1 Tottenham
- 47: Martin works it to Jasper Judd to the right of the penalty area, who arrows a dangerous low delivery across the face of goal, but it's scrambled away!
- 52: Jasper Judd sees a succession of efforts from the right channel on the edge of the box blocked.
- 55: Anderson races clear away on goal and goes to ground in the penalty area, the referee blows, but indicates for a free-kick to the visitors.
- 68: Anderson’s volley just inside the area is blocked.
- 72: Jamar Lee comes on for his competitive U18s debut.
- 84: Daniel Owoade flashes the ball across the face of goal and David Angibeaud's hooked effort grazes the post!
- 88: Mylo Bernard is denied one-on-one!
- A substancial amount of added time ensues owing to stoppages...
- 90 (+8): Jasper Judd is shown a red card.
- FT: Palace 1-1 Tottenham
- We remain level on 28 points with Spurs, and five behind Chelsea in the race for the title!

Recent weeks had marked a milestone period for our Under-18s. A dominant 5-0 win over Birmingham City lifted the young Eagles into second in the U18 Premier League South, before a dramatic 2-1 victory against Stevenage secured the club’s first FA Youth Cup quarter-final in over 15 years.

Tottenham, meanwhile, arrived in South London in formidable form. Three straight league wins had moved them into third, while an impressive defensive run saw them record four consecutive victories and clean sheets across league and cup – dispatching Fulham (5-0), Aston Villa (1-0), Norwich (3-0) and Bristol City (3-0) by an aggregate score of 12-0.

Javier Alonso made three changes to the side that overcame Stevenage, with Dean Benamar, Charlie Walker-Smith, and Daniel Owoade making way for Jacob Fasida, Dylan Monk, and Raihaan Anderson. Under-16 Jamar Lee was included on the bench, while Remi Shittu and Oladotun Lamidi came in for Jack Mason and Khyan Frazer-Williams.

With both sides tied on 27 points and pushing to challenge Chelsea for the title, a tasty encounter was anticipated!

The first chance of the half fell Palace’s way as an aggressive high press forced a turnover high up the pitch. Euan Danaher struck low from distance, his effort tipped onto the post by a full-stretch Dylan Thompson in the Spurs goal.

The young Eagles sustained their relentless press, continually probing and applying pressure through a series of dangerous deliveries into the box and Dylan Monk’s trademark long throws. The rhythm, tempo and intensity of Palace’s play were evident from the outset, immediately putting Spurs on the back foot.

Tottenham gradually began to find routes through Palace’s press, working the ball into advanced areas. However, despite spells in and around the penalty area, they were unable to truly test the defence or create a clear-cut opening.

With so much at stake – second place on the line and the title race firmly in view – it was perhaps understandable that, approaching the 20-minute mark, neither side had yet found their full rhythm. A stop-start pattern, punctuated by frequent blasts of the referee’s whistle, further disrupted the flow of the contest.

The pendulum began to swing as Tottenham enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. Patiently shifting the ball from side to side, the visitors searched for an opening but were unable to breach Palace’s disciplined and well-organised backline.

Yet as the half moved beyond its midpoint, Palace rediscovered their rhythm. The aggressive high press returned to full effect, with Stuart Oduro driving a fierce effort straight at Thompson before Anderson followed up with a strike that stung the 'keeper’s palms.

The breakthrough arrived on 26 minutes. Attempting to play out from the back, the Spurs 'keeper miscued his clearance and the ball dropped invitingly for Donte Martin a few yards from goal. Keeping his composure, Martin rifled into the far corner to register his eighth goal of the season.

Spurs offered a handful of warning signs but had yet to seriously test Lucca Benetton. At the other end, Palace looked to press home their advantage, buoyed by growing momentum. Jacob Fasida nearly doubled the lead with a cleverly struck free-kick drilled low and hard beneath the wall, but Thompson reacted sharply to gather.

However, Spurs struck on the stroke of half-time. A pull-back from the byline caused a scramble in the box, and amid the pinball, Oliver Boast reacted quickest to stab home from close range. The sides went into the interval level.

Palace began the second half on the front foot. Danaher drove forward purposefully before releasing Martin, who in turn found Jasper Judd to the right of the penalty area, but his arrowed delivery was scrambled clear.

The pressure continued to build as Judd saw a succession of efforts from the right channel on the edge of the box blocked by a wall of white shirts. It was a strong, assertive start to the half from the young Eagles, who looked intent on regaining control.

Ten minutes after the restart, Palace broke with real pace as Anderson surged clear towards goal, pursued closely by George Feeney.

Under heavy pressure, Anderson went to ground as he entered a promising position, prompting a blast of the referee’s whistle – but it was Spurs who were awarded the free-kick, much to Palace’s frustration.

On the hour mark, Alonso made his first change, introducing Daniel Owoade in place of Oduro. The reshuffle saw Owoade operate from the right, Anderson move into a more central role, and Judd switch to the opposite flank.

Aside from a routine diving save, Benetton had still not been seriously tested. At the other end, Alonso’s side were combining neatly, carving out openings through slick patterns of play. Anderson came closest, his volley from just inside the area blocked by a defender’s outstretched boot as Palace continued to press for a second

Further changes followed as Alonso looked to spark a late winner, introducing prolific Under-16 talisman Mylo Bernard alongside Jamar Lee, who was handed his Under-18 debut.

With 10 minutes remaining, Palace were forced into a spell of resolute defending as momentum shifted towards the visitors. The contest had tightened, tension rising with every challenge, and it carried the sense that the next goal – if it came – would prove decisive.

Palace came agonisingly close to snatching a winner when Owoade fizzed a dangerous ball across the face of goal. 

Angibeaud met it first time, hooking his effort towards the far corner – only to see it graze the outside of the post. For a split second he had wheeled away in celebration, believing it had nestled in, but it drifted inches wide.

Bernard then raced onto Judd’s lofted pass in behind and shaped to find the near corner, but Thompson reacted sharply, getting down to parry the effort away and preserve parity.

There was a worrying moment late on as Sean Somade was stretchered off the pitch following treatment. Everyone at the club of course sends their very best wishes to Sean and hopes for a swift and full recovery.

A series of stoppages resulted in a substantial period of added time and, with more than six minutes played, Judd was unfortunately shown a red card. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Palace stood firm to secure a hard-fought point.

The result leaves Palace level on 28 points with Tottenham, though a superior goal difference keeps the young Eagles in second place, with Spurs third. Chelsea remain top of the table, five points clear.

Attention now turns to the Premier League Cup quarter-finals, where Palace travel to face Peterborough United F.C. on Tuesday (17th February, 13:00 GMT), aiming to build on this momentum and return to winning ways.

**Palace:** Benetton, Judd ©, Fasida, Monk, Somade (Lamidi, 98'), Okoli, Anderson (Lee, 72'), Danaher, Martin (Bernard, 72'), Oduro (Oduro, 60'), Angibeaud.

**Subs not used:** Shittu. 

**Tottenham:** Thompson, Sandiford (Thomas, 72'), Tingey, Hardy, Upson, Hall ©, Boast, Moncur (Myrtaj, 59'), Elliot-Parris (Muslika, 72'), Feeney, Adewole.

**Subs not used:** Doran, Wellspring.

A relentless Crystal Palace Under-18s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur in the U18 Premier League South title showdown on Saturday morning (14th February) at the Academy.


U18 Report & Highlights: Young Eagles held by Tottenham in title showdown

Crystal Palace U18 v Tottenham Hotspur U18 (2026-02-14)

The first leg is set to kick-off at 18:45 CET local time (17:45 GMT UK time) on Thursday, (19th February) at Bijeli Brijeg Stadium.

Ahead of the historic occasion, supporters can find important information surrounding the trip to Mostar below.

#### **Summary:**

- We recommend that supporters should not wear club branding on the eastern side of the river (including in the Old Town).
- Many bars and restaurants in Mostar **accept cash only (currency being the convertible mark, KM).** KM can only be converted locally.
- All supporters attending the game in the away end will be required to collect tickets in-person at Lodge Herceg Stjepan Kosača (see timings below).
- Supporters will need to show a passport matching the name of the ticket being collected. You will only be able to collect your own ticket.
- On matchday, there is a dedicated strip of Kralja Petra Krešimira IV with Palace-friendly bars and restaurants, as well as banks, and free busses to the stadium.

#### **Key locations**

**Please see a map of key city locations below.**

#### **Important information regarding supporter safety**

**Crystal Palace recommend not to stay in the eastern side of the city.**

Previous visiting supporters in their club colours have encountered issues on the Eastern side of the river Neretva, in particular in the Mostar Old Town, with flags and clothing stolen from them.

For safety, supporters are therefore advised not to wear anything in this region of the city which will identify them as Crystal Palace supporters.

We **highly recommend all supporters** meet on the western side of the river, with a dedicated Palace meeting point available for supporters at Kralja Petra Kresimira IV, with bars and restaurants. More information can be found below (and on the map above).

Anybody who has not booked a valid match ticket should not travel to Mostar.

Supporters should be vigilant at all times, take sensible precautions and ensure they have valid travel insurance.

Travelling supporters should also be aware that Mostar train station is situated on the eastern side of the river. Therefore, supporters are advised to make the short walk over the bridge as soon as they arrive.

#### **Local currency**

We have been advised that many bars and restaurants in Mostar accept **cash only**.

The local currency of Mostar is the **Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark** (abbreviated to **KM**). Although some establishments will accept Euros, KM is recommended.

KM cash cannot be easily acquired in the United Kingdom. We therefore recommend planning ahead, and utilising ATMs or exchange points upon arriving in Mostar.

There are multiple banks/ATMs in our away supporter-dedicated section of the city (see ‘Where to go on matchday’ below).

#### **Ticket collection**

**All supporters attending the game in the away end will be required to collect tickets in-person in the café at Lodge Herceg Stjepan Kosača by the main city roundabout (see map above, or [click here to see on Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NXAQY4tYXq6pGjsA6)).**

Ticket collection at Lodge Herceg Stjepan Kosača will be open between 16:00-19:00 CET (local time) on Wednesday, 18th February, and between 10:00-15:00 on Thursday, 19th February.

Any supporters who need to make alternative arrangements should contact the ticketing team at [boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk](mailto:boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk) or by calling [0333 360 1861](tel:0333 360 1861).

**Only the person named on each ticket will be permitted to collect that ticket.** Upon collection, supporters will need to show a passport matching the name of the ticket being collected.

**This will be strictly enforced to ensure that tickets are only used by supporters who are eligible to attend the game.**

**Tickets cannot be transferred at any time** and under no circumstances will tickets be issued without the ticket holder being present. Tickets are strictly non-transferrable. Anyone found transferring tickets without the club’s consent will be banned from purchasing future away games.

If your circumstances have changed since purchasing your ticket, please [contact the Box Office](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/contact-us/) as soon as possible.

#### **Where to go on matchday…**

On matchday, Crystal Palace fans are planning to meet on a dedicated strip of **Kralja Petra Krešimira IV,** adjacent to the ticket collection point (see map above).

This consists of a large pedestrian promenade closed to traffic, and is a dedicated strip of **away-friendly and family-friendly** bars, restaurants, shops, banks (including ATMs, where cash in local currency can be withdrawn) and mobile toilets. There will be a police and club staff presence.

This will be open from the early hours of the day and will be accessible to all supporters. Venues offer both outdoor terraces and indoor seating areas.

For your awareness, we have been advised that HŠK Zrinjski Mostar supporters tend to congregate further west down Kralja Petra Krešimira IV (see map above).

#### **Travelling to the stadium**

Near to the ticket collection point at Lodge Herceg Stjepan Kosača, at the entrance of Park Zrinjevac, there will be a **bus pick-up point.**

This will offer **free bus rides for away supporters to Bijeli Brijeg Stadium**, departing in three waves.

Please note that availability for this service is limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those walking to Bijeli Brijeg Stadium, it is a 10-15 minute walk directly up Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. Please be advised this route is uphill.

The away supporters’ entrance is situated in the South-West corner of the stadium (see map above).

#### **In case of any queries...**

In case of any queries whilst in Bosnia and Herzegovina, our **Head of Supporter Services and Disability Access Officer, Nikki**, can be contacted at this dedicated phone number: \[**07345 703 244**\](tel:07345 703 244).

#### **Match Details**

**Zrinjski Mostar v Crystal Palace**

- Thursday, 19th February
- 18:45 CET local time / 17:45 GMT UK time
- Bijeli Brijeg Stadium
- UEFA Conference League play-off round, first leg

Crystal Palace continue our European adventure next week with a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, facing HŠK Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Conference League play-off round.

Palace on Tour: Important information for fans going to Mostar

Zrinjski Mostar v Crystal Palace (2026-02-19)

Club

Club

Why Palace fans love Valentine's Day

U18 Report & Highlights: Young Eagles held by Tottenham in title showdown

Palace on Tour: Important information for fans going to Mostar

Shop Palace Shirts

7Ismaïla
Sarr

Club

Club

Why Palace fans love Valentine's Day

U18 Report & Highlights: Young Eagles held by Tottenham in title showdown

Palace on Tour: Important information for fans going to Mostar

Shop Palace Shirts

7IsmaïlaSarr

7Ismaïla
Sarr