Pino Kickstarts Crystal Palace’s Europa League Rout of Lech Poznan to Ease Sage’s Worries

Crystal Palace began their Europa League campaign with a commanding victory over Lech Poznan, a result that offers much-needed reassurance to new manager Pierre Sage. The win marked an important milestone for Palace as they returned to European competition after missing out last season.

The match took place on Thursday, 17 September 2026, and was significant for Sage, who stepped into the managerial role following Oliver Glasner’s successful tenure. Glasner had led Palace to three trophies in just 12 months, setting high expectations. Early Premier League results under Sage have been mixed, with the team conceding 11 goals in their first four matches and some internal controversy surrounding the decision to drop promising teenager Jaydee Canvot at the weekend.

Despite these challenges, Palace’s performance against Lech Poznan showed their capability to compete effectively on the European stage. The team capitalized on a numerical advantage after Lech Poznan’s Radoslaw Murawski was sent off late in the match for a reckless foul on Canvot. This red card allowed Palace to control the game comfortably in the closing stages and secure a convincing win.

The victory not only boosts Palace’s confidence in Europe but also helps alleviate some of the pressure on Sage. It serves as a reminder of the squad’s potential and the manager’s ability to steady the ship after a difficult start domestically. The positive result is likely to ease tensions and build momentum going forward.

Looking ahead, Palace face a challenging Premier League fixture away to in-form Leeds United on Sunday. This match will be a significant test for Sage as he seeks to improve the team’s defensive record and establish consistency in league play. The European triumph provides a platform on which to build.

Moving forward, Crystal Palace will aim to maintain their strong start in the Europa League group stage while addressing their Premier League vulnerabilities. Continued success in Europe could prove vital for the club’s confidence and overall season trajectory as they navigate a demanding schedule.

Source: theguardian.com