Daichi Kamada's stoppage-time equaliser secured a 1-1 draw for Crystal Palace against 1899 Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday. The late goal preserved the club's unbeaten European record at Selhurst Park just days before a critical Premier League fixture. The result on Thursday 5 November follows a difficult domestic period that has seen the team slip to 18th in the Premier League, having taken just seven points from their opening nine matches with a record of two wins, one draw, and six losses.
Alexander Prass had put the German visitors ahead after just seven minutes, finishing an early move created by Tim Lemperle. Palace, who had 54% possession and 13 attempts, struggled to convert their pressure until the final moments. The game was marred by discipline issues, with the home side receiving five yellow cards and a red card for Adam Wharton, who was sent off.
Sage sees relief for Liverpool test
Manager Pierre Sage acknowledged the importance of the late rally. "It gives us some relief ahead of Sunday's meeting with Liverpool," he said. The result leaves Palace 18th in the Premier League with just seven points from nine games, a position that adds urgency to their domestic campaign. Their recent form shows one win, two draws, and two losses from the last five matches across all competitions. This sequence includes a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Saturday 31 October, a 1-0 victory at Fulham on Wednesday 28 October, a 2-0 home loss to Newcastle, and a 2-2 draw with Beşiktaş. In the league, they have scored only nine goals while conceding 21, leaving them with a goal difference of minus twelve and a daunting 17-point gap to leaders Arsenal.
This draw follows a mixed run of results, including a 2-0 loss at Tottenham and a 1-0 win at Fulham in the league last week.
Kamada's 91st-minute intervention ensures Palace take a point from their fourth Europa League group stage match. The team now turns its focus entirely to the key league encounter this weekend.
