Kamada rescues Crystal Palace — Daichi Kamada struck in the first minute of stoppage time to earn 10-man Crystal Palace a 1-1 Europa League draw against Hoffenheim at Selhurst Park on Thursday, offering under-pressure manager Pierre Sage a measure of relief. The result followed three straight Premier League defeats that had left Palace in the relegation zone and intensified scrutiny on Sage’s position.
Hoffenheim took the lead in the seventh minute when Alexander Prass capitalised on a counter-attack, his low effort slipping beneath goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Palace struggled to convert possession into clear chances, while the visitors looked threatening on the break. Henderson redeemed himself with a fine save to deny Andrej Kramaric from close range, but Palace’s evening worsened in the 77th minute when Adam Wharton received a second yellow card for catching Wouter Burger with his arm in an aerial challenge.
With defeat looming, Kamada intervened. Yeremy Pino delivered a cross into the box, Tyrick Mitchell headed the ball down, and Kamada finished through the goalkeeper’s legs to spark relief around Selhurst Park. The goal came after Pino had earlier been denied one-on-one by Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann in the 67th minute.
The draw leaves Palace with defensive concerns but provides a timely boost for Sage, whose future had been questioned ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool. The late equaliser may ease the immediate pressure, though the performance is unlikely to silence all critics.
Disasi omission raises questions
Before kick-off, Palace attracted attention by initially naming Axel Disasi in their starting XI on social media before correcting the teamsheet to show Honest Ahanor. Disasi, on loan from Chelsea, had played every minute of Palace’s Europa League campaign this season and started the last two Premier League matches.
Asked after the match why Disasi was left out, Sage said it was an internal decision and declined to comment further. When pressed on whether the omission risked creating the impression he was losing control, Sage replied that it was the reporter’s analysis.
Key moments
- 7′: Alexander Prass scores to put Hoffenheim ahead.
- 24′: Dean Henderson makes a strong save to deny Andrej Kramaric.
- 67′: Oliver Baumann saves from Yeremy Pino in a one-on-one.
- 77′: Adam Wharton is sent off for a second yellow card.
- 90+1′: Daichi Kamada equalises for 10-man Palace.
Palace will now turn their attention to the visit of Liverpool, live on Sky Sports, with Sage hoping the late point can serve as a turning point.
