Crystal Palace thrash Lech Poznan 4-0 in Europa League debut

Crystal Palace made a stunning entrance into the Europa League with a resounding 4-0 victory over Polish champions Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park. The match began with a scare for Palace, as Lech Poznan's Mikael Ishak squandered a golden opportunity, missing the target from just six yards within the first three minutes, which could have set a different tone for the game.

Palace took advantage of their early fortune when Yeremy Pino intercepted a poor throw from Lech's Terry Yegbe. Pino seized the moment, driving into the penalty area and slotting the ball into the corner to give Palace the lead. The home side doubled their advantage shortly after, with Chris Richards heading in from an Adam Wharton corner, demonstrating their aerial prowess.

The third goal came from a penalty awarded after Pino was fouled by Radoslaw Murawski. Jorgen Strand Larsen stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, placing the ball into the top-left corner. Lech Poznan's woes continued as Murawski received a second yellow card later in the match, reducing his team to ten men as they struggled to contain Palace's attacking threats.

Substitute Eddie Nketiah capped off the emphatic win with a well-taken goal just before full-time. Nketiah, who had just entered the fray alongside Ismaila Sarr, found space in the area and guided his shot into the bottom corner, sealing a memorable debut for Palace in European competition. Manager Pierre Sage expressed satisfaction with the performance but emphasised the need for more consistency moving forward.

via Sky Sports