Crystal Palace made a statement on their UEFA Europa League debut, sweeping aside Polish league champions Lech Poznań 4-0 at Selhurst Park to move second in the league-phase table behind Juventus.
Pierre Sage kept faith with the team that started against Ipswich, with Adam Wharton once again wearing the captain’s armband in Dean Henderson’s absence. The Eagles made a lively start and took the lead after 10 minutes when Yéremy Pino punished a misplaced throw-in, racing clear before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Mateusz Lis.
Palace continued to create openings and doubled their advantage in the 27th minute. Wharton’s corner found Chris Richards at the far post, and the defender powered his header beyond the defenders on the line. Pino then won a penalty after cutting into the area, allowing Jørgen Strand Larsen to send Lis the wrong way and score his fourth goal in three matches.
The hosts remained in control after the interval, with Pino, Wharton and Eddie Nketiah among those threatening to add to the score. Lech were reduced to 10 men when Radosław Murawski received a second yellow card, further limiting the visitors’ hopes of a comeback. Walter Benítez also made an important low save from Michał Gurgul to preserve Palace’s clean sheet.
Nketiah completed the scoring two minutes from time, finishing confidently after Dwight McNeil supplied an incisive pass. The goal was Nketiah’s first of the 2026/27 campaign, while McNeil registered his first assist for the club. Palace’s convincing performance ensured their long-awaited European home debut ended with a place near the top of the standings and an early indication of their ambition in the competition.
