Palace's unbeaten run ended by Strasbourg

UEFA Conference League

Strasbourg 2 - 1 Crystal Palace FT

Crystal Palace tasted defeat for the first time since the end of October as they were beaten by French side Strasbourg in the Europa Conference League.

Tyrick Mitchell gave Palace the lead in the 35th minute with a drilled finish across goal after being slipped through by Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Premier League side, who were on a five-match unbeaten run, should have doubled their advantage just before the break but Ismaila Sarr could only strike the post from 30 yards out when presented with an open goal after Strasbourg keeper Mike Penders lost possession.

Strasbourg levelled eight minutes after the restart when captain Emanuel Emegha, who will join Chelsea next summer, turned in Diego Moreira's low cross.

Chelsea-loannee Penders then lost possession again midway through the second half but Adam Wharton could only strike the crossbar from range.

Penders made up for his error a few minutes later when he did well to deny Yeremy Pino from close range with a diving save.

Palace were ultimately made to pay for their missed chances when Julio Enciso's 77th-minute free-kick hit the crossbar and Samir el Mourabet was able to tap in on the rebound.

• Strasbourg are not Chelsea's feeder club - Keller

Crystal Palace analysis: Eagles face uphill battle to reach top eight

Strasbourg may have come out on top in the battle between the side fifth in the Premier League and fifth in Ligue 1, but Palace's players will be kicking themselves after failing to get a result from a game in which they had two open goals, 16 shots and 40 touches in their opponents box.

The match had a similar feel to Palace's Conference League loss to AEK Larnaca in October.

Indeed, the result means Oliver Glasner's side now have won two and lost two of their Conference League league phase matches, despite being the dominant side in those two defeats.

With only six games played in the Conference League league phase Palace now have an uphill battle if they want a top-eight finish which would mean they would advance straight to the last 16.

Their defeat on Thursday, which was their first since a loss to Arsenal in the Premier League on October 26, means they are 18th in the league phase table.

Those outside of the top 24 after six games are eliminated from the competition.

What's next for these sides?

Crystal Palace host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday (12:00 GMT). Their final two games in the Europa Conference League league phase are away to League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne on December 11 and a home match with Finnish outfit KPS Kuopio on December 18.

Strasbourg are at home to Brest in Ligue 1 on Sunday. Their next game in Europe is an away trip to Aberdeen on December 11.