Crystal Palace beat Zrinjski Mostar to reach Conference League last 16

Crystal Palace have reached the last 16 of the Uefa Conference League after easing past Zrinjski Mostar to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory at Selhurst Park.

Goals from Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand relieved the mounting pressure on manager Oliver Glasner.

The Eagles secured a 2-0 win on the night to ensure safe passage into Friday’s draw.

Relief for Glasner

This result marks back-to-back wins for the south London club for the first time since December.

It provides a vital morale boost ahead of a daunting trip to Manchester United this weekend.

Speculation regarding Glasner’s future had intensified recently, but this professional display offers a timely reprieve.

How the action unfolded

The hosts laboured during the early exchanges in front of a sparse crowd that reflected recent apathy at the club.

Lacroix broke the deadlock after 36 minutes, heading home from a set-piece to settle nerves.

The Bosnian champions offered little threat, having failed to score in any away European fixture this season.

Ismaila Sarr was denied by goalkeeper Goran Karacic in a one-on-one as the hosts looked to kill the tie earlier in the second half.

Tomi Juric caused a late scare for the Premier League side, but Guessand struck in injury time to confirm the result.

Who could Palace face next?

Glasner’s side will discover their opponents during the draw in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

Palace will face a seeded team, with German side Mainz or Cyprus’ AEK Larnaca confirmed as potential adversaries.