Palace set club record with win over Dynamo Kiev
Crystal Palace set a new club record as they secured a 2-0 victory over Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kyiv in their opening match of the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League group stage at the Motor Lublin Arena on Thursday.
Palace earned an away win, marking their longest unbeaten streak at 19 matches, surpassing a run dating back to 1969. The English side capitalized on second-half goals from Daniel Muñoz and substitute Eddie Nketiah, both assisted by left-wing crosses from Yeremy Pino. Despite playing with ten men following Borna Sosa’s dismissal late in the game, Palace maintained control and denied Dynamo any meaningful opportunities.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised his team’s disciplined and ambitious performance, emphasizing that the unbeaten run, though historic, is not the focus as they now turn their attention to domestic fixtures. “We always want to win the next game… We have huge respect for Dynamo Kyiv, so starting with a win away is very positive,” Glasner said. “Now we have to switch focus for Everton on Sunday. Every competition is as important as the other.”
Dynamo Kyiv, forced to play in exile due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, struggled to break into Palace’s defensive third until the latter stages when reduced to ten players. Palace controlled much of the early play with effective wing deliveries that caused defensive lapses for Dynamo. Muñoz opened the scoring with a header in the 31st minute, rising above the opposition full-back following Pino’s cross. Nketiah extended the lead in the 59th minute with a technically proficient volley after Pino’s clever dribble and assist.
The game’s intensity peaked when Sosa, introduced in Palace’s starting lineup alongside Will Hughes, received a second yellow card in the 75th minute for a harsh tackle, reducing Palace to ten men. Dynamo failed to exploit their numerical advantage, with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson making key saves, including stopping a late header from Oleksandr Karavaiev.
This win consolidates Crystal Palace’s growing confidence and competitive stature in both domestic and European competitions. It reflects a strategic and tactical maturity under Glasner, who has instilled resilience and ambition into the squad. The victory not only boosts Palace’s prospects in the Conference League but also signals their intent to maintain momentum across all fronts this season.