Jean-Philippe Mateta fired himself into Crystal Palace history after scoring the club’s first-ever European goal in their 1-0 win over Fredrikstad.
The French striker broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half, heading home from Will Hughes’ effort inside a lively Selhurst Park. His goal gave Palace a crucial advantage to take into next week’s return leg in Norway.
Mateta admitted the strike was a special moment in his career and for the club.
“I’m very happy to be the first player to score for Palace in a European cup [competition],” he told Channel 5. “I saw the ball in the box and I did my job.
“I was ready if the ball came to me, to touch it and to score. I got into the right body position to the goal, I hoped to score – and yes very happy [I did].”
The London side had to stay patient against stubborn opposition, with The Aristocrats defending deep and limiting chances. But the Frenchman felt sticking to the game plan was key.
“They played very defensive and it was hard for us and they did not give us gaps, they defended really well. We scored in the second-half, now we need to go there and win again.
“We just needed to stick to the plan that the gaffer gave us and we scored in the end. The win was the most important thing. Now we have another important game and we have to focus.”
Looking ahead to the away leg, the 28-year-old brushed off concerns about playing conditions.
“It’s not really [an issue],” he added. “I started on those pitches when I was young, so for me, it is not an issue.”
Oliver Glasner’s men now travel to the Norwegian side knowing a solid result will secure their place in the league phase of the competition.
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