Palace controlled possession for most of the game and took the lead two minutes before the end of the first half when Ismaila Sarr scored after a good assist from Jørgen Strand Larsen.
However, Karlo Abramović equalized for Zrinjski in the second half after a quick and smart counter, so the doubleheader remained completely open before the rematch, which will be played next week at Selhurst Park.
Glasner admitted that his team did not do enough in the second half to bring the game to an end, but he believes that Palace can make it through to the second leg.
“We expected a very tough game and that’s exactly what we got,” Glasner said.
“We opened the match well, but then we lost our directness towards the opponent’s goal.
We were in control, but we weren’t dangerous enough. We took the lead towards the end of the first half.
However, as I said before the game, we lacked consistency throughout the 95 minutes and the same happened today. We control the game, and then we make a simple mistake.
Zrinjski scored a goal and then… that’s football… they gained confidence, the crowd woke up and it was difficult.
On the one hand, we were unlucky, but on the other hand, we were vulnerable in transition in two or three situations. They made good use of it.
Now it’s half time of the two legs and we have to settle everything at home, at Selhurst.”
Glasner started the game for the first time with the attacking trio of Sarr – Strand Larsen – Brennan Johnson, with the latter two making their European debut for Palace.
The coach believes that they will need time to find the right rhythm.
“We saw some misunderstandings in attack and that’s completely normal,” he added.
“I emphasized that when I first came to Palace – it takes time for the players to get to know each other.
Of course, there is always pressure because you want to win. The effort is there, but we need to work on consistency.”
Although Palace from Bosnia and Herzegovina returns with a draw, Glasner expressed his gratitude to the fans who traveled to the game, as well as the hosts for their hospitality.
“Thanks to all the Palace fans who cheered us on until the end,” he concluded.
“We felt very welcome, everyone was extremely friendly at the stadium. Thank you for that.”
(Vijesti.ba)
