Crystal Palace made a memorable start to their UEFA Europa League campaign, defeating Lech Poznań 4-0 at Selhurst Park to claim the club’s biggest-ever win in European competition. Pierre Sage was particularly pleased that the result was accompanied by a disciplined performance at both ends of the pitch.
Yéremy Pino, Chris Richards, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah were the scorers as Palace found four different routes to goal. They also kept only their second competitive clean sheet of the season, limiting a Lech side that had scored in each of its previous 15 away matches in Europe.
Sage acknowledged that Palace had difficult spells, including moments in both halves when they lost possession too frequently. However, he felt the team showed the togetherness required to defend effectively as well as provide an entertaining attacking display. The manager also viewed the clean sheet as evidence that the defensive work completed during the week was beginning to produce results.
Pino was central to the victory, scoring, winning a penalty and creating further opportunities for his teammates before being withdrawn after feeling a slight cramp. Sage praised the forward’s influence and the enjoyment he brought to the Selhurst Park crowd.
Palace now face a quick turnaround before travelling to Elland Road on Sunday to meet third-placed Leeds United, who remain unbeaten in the Premier League. Sage pointed to Leeds’ performances against Chelsea and Newcastle and said Palace would need to carry their confidence from Thursday’s victory into another demanding match.
The manager also dedicated the win to the family and memory of former Palace goalkeeper Kevin Miller, whose death was announced earlier on Thursday.
