## Crystal Palace’s Season Hangs in the Balance: Zrinjski Mostar Clash Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Crystal Palace supporters are experiencing a frustrating season. While relegation fears are minimal and European qualification through the Premier League seems unlikely, the team finds itself at a crossroads. The focus has shifted to breaking their Premier League points record or, more importantly, securing a trophy – a tangible reward for their efforts.
It’s difficult to maintain optimism given Palace’s recent form. A 12-game winless streak, briefly interrupted by a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, was quickly followed by a disheartening defeat against Burnley. This slump has cast a shadow over the club, overshadowing the earlier success of winning the Community Shield and the FA Cup triumph of the previous season.
However, a chance for redemption arrives on Thursday with the first leg of their UEFA Conference League knockout phase play-off against Zrinjski Mostar of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This match presents an opportunity to rebuild confidence before facing Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday.
### Conference League: The Last Stand?
Statistically, relegation is highly improbable, with Opta predicting a mere 1.3% chance. Bridging the gap to European spots through league play is also a significant challenge. While surpassing last season’s 53 Premier League points is within reach, it wouldn’t be met with widespread celebration. The true measure of this campaign lies in their Conference League performance.
A victory in the first leg against Zrinjski Mostar would propel the team closer to the final in Leipzig in May. A triumph in Leipzig would mark a spectacular end to Oliver Glasner’s tenure, adding more silverware to the club’s collection and erasing the memories of the mid-season struggles. The FA Cup success at Wembley remains a potent reminder of the value of trophies for a club like Crystal Palace.
The Conference League, while not on par with the FA Cup, would still be a remarkable achievement and guarantee further European qualification. This is particularly important given the perceived injustice of their demotion to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules. [Learn more about UEFA’s regulations on multi-club ownership](https://www.uefa.com/european-football/news/028c-196999999999-uefa-conference-league-rules/).
### Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential, Palace faces hurdles. Concerns linger about the home leg against Zrinjski, given their inconsistent performances at Selhurst Park in the competition so far. However, a dominant win in Bosnia and Herzegovina could alleviate these concerns and secure a place in the round of 16, potentially facing AEK Larnaca or Mainz.
Even a Conference League victory wouldn’t fully erase the disappointment of recent months. Fans will question what could have been after their historic FA Cup win. There’s also uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner’s future, as his recent struggles have tarnished his reputation.
Ultimately, a deep run in the European competition is crucial to prevent the season from fading into insignificance and to mitigate the frustration of missed opportunities. It’s the only way to ensure Glasner, the club’s most successful manager, receives the recognition his achievements deserve.
As Matt Woosnam of The Athletic notes, the season feels like a slog, and complete forgiveness won’t be easily granted. However, progress to the Conference League final, coupled with improved Premier League form, would provide something tangible to celebrate.
[Read more analysis from The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/)
