Crystal Palace Secures 3-0 Win Over Shelbourne in Conference League Group Stage
On 11 December 2025, Crystal Palace delivered a commanding 3-0 victory against Shelbourne in a Conference League group-stage match held at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. The game was played in heavy rain before an attendance of around 1,800 spectators.
Crystal Palace, missing Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Muñoz due to knee injuries but fielding 15 senior outfield players, dominated the match from the start. Christantus Uche, a loanee from Getafe starting his second game, gave Palace an early lead with a goal in the 11th minute. Eddie Nketiah scored his second consecutive game goal, followed by Yeremy Pino who sealed the victory just before half-time after Uche hit the post. Despite a late penalty appeal by Nketiah being denied, Palace maintained control throughout the game. The second half saw substitutions including Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, and Romain Esse. Notably, 17-year-old Benji Casey made his Palace debut, and Justin Devenny was forced off with a limp late in the match.
Shelbourne, participating in their first league-stage European campaign under manager Joey O’Brien, hosted the match at Tallaght Stadium as their home ground, Tolka Park, was not UEFA compliant. The Irish side had finished their domestic season last month with just one point and no goals from their first four European matches.
A banner stating 'Kick racists out of Palace' was displayed behind one of the goals, highlighting ongoing social issues.
The result leaves Crystal Palace virtually assured of a Conference League knockout playoff spot, needing just three more points from their upcoming match against KuPS to secure qualification following a recent loss to Strasbourg.
