Pino Ignites Crystal Palace Europa League Rout Over Lech Poznan 2026

Crystal Palace's Europa League campaign began in emphatic fashion as they routed Lech Poznan, with Yéremy Pino's early goal setting the tone for a comfortable victory that eased the pressure on manager Pierre Sage.

After being denied their rightful place in the Europa League last season, Palace made the perfect debut by brushing aside Lech Poznan. The Frenchman Sage has big shoes to fill in replacing Oliver Glasner, who won three trophies in 12 months, and there had been some talk of disquiet behind the scenes following his decision to drop teenager Jaydee Canvot at the weekend. But while Palace face a testing trip to face in-form Leeds on Sunday having conceded 11 goals from their opening four Premier League matches, they were given a big helping hand by their opponents here well before Radoslaw Murawski was sent off late on for a reckless foul on Canvot.

Pino Pounces as Palace Punish Poznan

The result was never in doubt after Poznan gifted Yéremy Pino a goal direct from their own throw-in. The Spanish winger capitalized on a moment of confusion to slot the ball home, setting Palace on their way. Chris Richards doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner, and Jørgen Strand Larsen made it three from the penalty spot before half-time. Eddie Nketiah rounded off the comfortable win with a late fourth, ensuring Palace's Europa League campaign started with a bang.

Key Takeaways

• Pino's early goal set the tone for a dominant Palace performance.
• Chris Richards and Jørgen Strand Larsen added goals before half-time.
• Eddie Nketiah completed the scoring with a late fourth.
• Lech Poznan's Radoslaw Murawski was sent off for a reckless foul on Canvot.
• Manager Pierre Sage will hope this result eases the pressure after a tough start in the Premier League.

Match Statistics: Palace vs Poznan

Sage's Selection Under Scrutiny

Sage's decision to drop Jaydee Canvot at the weekend raised eyebrows, but the teenager was brought on late in the match and was on the receiving end of Murawski's reckless challenge. The red card further compounded Poznan's misery. Palace captain Dean Henderson had urged supporters to "park the negativity" when he signed a contract extension on Wednesday, and this performance will go a long way to lifting the mood around Selhurst Park.

It's a measure of how quickly things have moved on in south London that Palace did not even have the chance to stage a parade to celebrate their Conference League triumph last season. But after a difficult start to the new campaign, this European victory provides a timely boost. Palace will now turn their attention to the Premier League and a tough trip to Leeds on Sunday.

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