(Credit: Imago)

Aasif Rahman

Fri 22 August 2025 10:59, UK

Crystal Palace players joined in their reaction to Jean-Philippe Mateta after the striker wrote his name into the club’s history books.

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Crystal Palace claimed their first-ever win in European competition on 21 August, edging past Fredrikstad 1-0 in the first leg of their Conference League play-off tie.

The Eagles were without Eberechi Eze, who is closing in on a move to Arsenal after a deal was agreed, but it was Mateta who stepped up to deliver a decisive moment for Palace.

The Frenchman scored Palace’s first ever European goal, glancing a header past the goalkeeper after Will Hughes’ shot deflected into his path.

The strike proved enough to seal the victory and hand Palace a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.

Following the historic win, a number of Palace players showed their support for Mateta, celebrating his landmark goal and the result that marked a major step forward for the club on the European stage.

Mateta posted on Instagram after scoring Crystal Palace’s first-ever goal in European competition, sharing a series of images from the 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad.

He captioned his post: “The sweet smell of Europe” — a line that quickly drew responses from across the Palace squad.

Current teammates Adam Wharton and Dean Henderson liked the post, while former players Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp also showed their appreciation by also dropping a like.

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Despite growing interest in his signature, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace are confident of keeping Mateta for this season.

The Eagles are determined to tie him down to a new contract, with Oliver Glasner viewing him as a vital part of his plans.

Football Insider also revealed that Crystal Palace have already opened those talks with Mateta over fresh terms, although an agreement has not yet been finalised.

He enjoyed a standout campaign last season, netting 14 league goals and 17 in all competitions, and has carried that form into the new season.

Credit:Imago

While Palace secured a historic win against Fredrikstad, the performance highlighted the absence of Eberechi Eze, who looks set to complete a move to Arsenal.

In preparation for his departure, the club are actively pursuing attacking reinforcements.

Reports claim that Palace have submitted a bid for Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino, but their offer was already rejected.
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.