Palace drawn against Lyon and tough European opposition in Europa League
Crystal Palace will face Lyon, Sparta Prague, Real Sociedad, Red Bull Salzburg, Lech Poznan, Jagiellonia, Hoffenheim, and Besiktas in the Europa League league phase. The tie against Lyon is notable as manager Pierre Sage previously coached that club, and Palace were denied entry to this competition last season due to multi-club ownership rules. This marks Palace's first Europa League campaign after winning the Conference League in May.
The draw pairs Palace with eight opponents across the league phase, including a trip to Lyon that carries layered significance. Manager Pierre Sage previously led that club through the 2024-25 Europa League group stage before his dismissal in January 2025, and the fixture revisits last season's multi-club ownership dispute involving John Textor that forced Palace into the Conference League. Palace arrives as reigning Conference League champions after beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in Leipzig.
Several fixtures present hidden hazards. The Polish clubs, Jagiellonia away and Lech Poznan at home, may prove awkward based on Palace's Conference League experiences against defensive sides. Real Sociedad, despite a mid-table La Liga finish, could test Palace at Selhurst Park. Sage must also integrate six new signings amid a congested schedule that limited training time under predecessor Oliver Glasner.
This campaign could reshape how mid-tier Premier League clubs approach European competition, as Palace's participation demonstrates that Conference League success can serve as a pathway to the Europa League. The fixture list may influence squad rotation decisions across the domestic season, potentially affecting Premier League results and the broader competitive balance. Fans of clubs in similar positions could view Palace's journey as a template, while the Lyon reunion adds a personal dimension that may draw additional viewership and engagement with the tournament's early stages.