Final Score: Shelbourne 0 – 3 Crystal Palace
By SCM SPORT REPORTER
CRYSTAL PALACE served up a classic European performance last night, bagging a crucial three points in the UEFA Conference League with a dominant 3-0 victory over Shelbourne.
But for the travelling Eagles faithful, the real story was the venue itself: Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, which played host to the historic tie as Shelbourne’s usual home, Tolka Park, does not meet UEFA’s minimum requirements.
The temporary switch to the 10,000-plus capacity stadium—home to Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers—didn’t dampen the atmosphere. Instead, the ground became a pocket of south London in the Irish capital, with Palace fans making the short hop across the Irish Sea to back Oliver Glasner’s men.
Despite the ground’s green heritage, it was a sea of red and blue as the Eagles took control from the off. The pitch may have been unfamiliar, but the slick, attacking football from Palace was perfectly on brand.
Young gun Christantus Uche opened the scoring in the 11th minute, expertly converting a move that set the tone for the night.
The party was then in full swing when Eddie Nketiah doubled the lead in the 25th minute, reacting fastest after a shot rebounded off the post.
However, the best was saved for last. On 37 minutes, Spanish winger Yeremy Pino danced through the Shelbourne defence before unleashing a rocket into the bottom corner. A truly Premier League finish for the Dublin crowd.
With the game all but over before the break, the second half became a professional exercise in seeing out the result, with the home side unable to trouble Palace keeper Walter Benítez.
The three-goal haul sees Palace take a massive step towards the knockout stages, taking the pressure off for their final group stage match.
But last night was about the experience: a big European night in a buzzing atmosphere, cementing Tallaght Stadium as a happy hunting ground for the London side.
The famous Dublin hospitality was on show, even if the result was not what the locals had hoped for. For Palace, though, it was a perfect away day that proves they are adjusting to the demands of continental football.
