Crystal Palace got their first ever Europa League season off to a flying start as they smashed Polish Ekstraklasa Champions Lech Poznań 4-0 at Selhurst Park. 

Palace defended resolutely to limit Lech to half chances for the most part, and showed their Premier League quality in the final third, with a clinical display of finishing. The first half goals came from Yerémy Pino, Chris Richards and Jørgen Strand Larsen. 

 Lech went down to ten men late on after a second yellow to midfielder Radosław Murawski, just before Eddie Nketiahl rounded off the scoring. 

The win felt much needed after the disappointment of the defeat at Selhurst to Ipswich last Saturday, and sets Pierre Sage’s side up well for the upcoming match against high flying Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday. 

Whilst the attacking play was clinical, Palace defended with more control than recent weeks, and were well worth the final score of 4-0. 

Excellent goalkeeping performance from Benítez, whose performance allowed Palace to make mistakes at times. Every chance Lech got, Benítez was equal to, making four saves throughout the ninety minutes, as well as numerous punched clearances and aerial claims to calm the Palace defence. 

He had a difficult afternoon last weekend and more than made up for it with a truly superb performance, earning Palace’s second clean sheet of the season. 

Solid performance from Khalaili, who was stronger defensively than he was last weekend. The final ball didn’t find its way to him on too many occasions but it was another high spirited performance from the Palace man, as he continues to do well following Daniel Muñoz’s departure. 

Took his headed goal really well, powering the ball beyond the ‘keeper. A strong overall display defensively too, and played a consistent role in the progression of the ball for Palace. 

It felt like Richards needed a confidence boost and he certainly got that here. 

Looked determined to make up for his performance against Ipswich on Saturday and defended resolutely throughout the first half. His one-on-one defending was very strong, and he made excellent blocks and tackles inside the Palace box. 

Some mistakes in there for Ahanor this evening, which he was not punished for thanks to his goalkeeper behind him. Not a bad performance whatsoever but 

Resilient performance from Mitchell after a really tough afternoon at the weekend. Professional, stubborn and strong going forward too. Big confidence booster for Mitchell and the entire defence. 

So much better from Wharton as he captained the side on their first Europa League night at Selhurst Park. He controlled the tempo of the game really well, and popped the ball around midfield well. His defensive work was much stronger too, and after a few easy bypasses in the first few minutes, he was much more assured. 

His passing played a key role in Palace’s movement throughout the game and it was a top performance for the English midfielder. 

Timber continues to settle into the Palace midfield and in this game it appeared that the relationship that he’s building with Wharton and Kamada just ahead of him. The high pressing off the ball was working much better than it has in recent weeks, and Timber’s aggressive style of tackling was making a great impact. 

Another classy display from Kamada, who like last year in the Conference League, just looked head and shoulders above the opposition in terms of quality. His energy and pressing adds so much defensive support to the side, and plays a key role in Palace’s counter pressing style when out of possession. 

His long passing was also strong tonight too. 

Took his goal excellently in the first ten minutes, controlling the ball marvelously after the Lech player decided to throw the ball across his own box. A good touch through, strong composure and a tidy finish beyond Mateusz Lis in the Lech goal. 

His dribbling throughout the game was excellent too, completing 4 of 5 dribbles. That ball retention saw him win the penalty for Palace to make it 3-0 and essentially kill the game off in the first half. He came close to an assist for Nketiah in the second half but it wasn’t to be, however a truly excellent display from the Spanish World Cup winner. 

Really well taken penalty to all but win the game in the first half, and his hold up play was strong once again. He took five shots in total, favouring first time efforts which were not too consistent. He works so hard for this Palace side though, and his pressing really sets the standard from the front. 

A really bright cameo from McNeil who played the final half hour for Palace. He carried the ball forward well and showed good link up play with Nketiah and Pino too. He came close to an assist when he backheeled the ball to Pino, but found his assist late on when he played Nketiah through to make it 4-0. 

A strong cameo replacing Khalaili. He didn’t have much to do but stood up on the few occasions he had to. 

A strong return to the side for Canvot, who played the final twenty minutes. Six defensive contributions in that time, including winning 100% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels too. Excellent. 

Good to see Sarr return to Palace, and only to a few boos from the home fans. He played well in the short time he was on the pitch and linked up well with his teammates, but wasn’t put in a position to shoot. His pace was the deciding factor in the red card for Lech late on, bursting beyond the midfielder. 

Impressed with his resilience to go again after missing a glorious chance just after coming on. His movement off the right is excellent and whilst he does tend to drift to that side of the box, his finish across goal after cutting back showed why he does. Good to see him score and round off a super win for Palace.