Eberechi Eze pulled out of the Crystal Palace squad on the morning of their first-ever major European fixture, in which Jean Phillippe-Mateta scored to earn them a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner revealed Eze felt "not ready to play" in their UEFA Conference League qualifying play-off first leg ahead of his transfer to Arsenal, and the forward did not attend the match at Selhurst Park to bid a final farewell.
Eze's move dominated the pre-match build-up ahead of a historic night for Palace in Europe, albeit not in the competition they wanted after being demoted from the Europa League. The home fans booed the Conference League anthem before kick-off and then started anti-UEFA chants.
Justin Devenny was Eze's late replacement, but it was talisman Mateta who deservedly put the hosts in front early in the second half, cleverly directing Will Hughes' shot past the goalkeeper with his head.
Mateta had gone close to scoring in the first half, hitting the right post with a deflected shot as the stubborn Norwegian visitors held out until half-time.
Daniel Munoz also hit the woodwork with a late header to leave Fredrikstad with still a glimmer of hope of qualifying for the league phase.
Fredrikstad will host the second leg next Thursday on August 28 to decide who will reach the league phase.
More to follow.
