Chris Richards has challenged Crystal Palace to carry their Europa League momentum into Sunday’s trip to Leeds United after the Eagles opened their campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Lech Poznan.
The centre-back made a decisive contribution at Selhurst Park, heading Palace in front for his first goal in European competition. The result marked the club’s third win in their last four matches across all competitions.
Richards was pleased to find the net, but placed even greater importance on Palace’s defensive performance. The clean sheet complemented an emphatic attacking display, with the defender feeling the hosts might have added even more goals on a lively evening in south London.
The atmosphere inside Selhurst Park also played a major role, with the home support helping Palace maintain their intensity against the Polish side. Richards said the team were excited by the start they had made in Europe and were already looking ahead to the next challenge.
Palace now travel to Elland Road to face Leeds in their final match before the September-October international break. Richards believes the team deserved more from their recent meeting with Ipswich and wants Sunday’s contest to deliver another three points before the players depart for international duty.
