Crystal Palace embark on their first-ever European campaign riding the crest of a wave of momentum, but they face stern opposition in continental regulars Dynamo Kyiv in this UEFA Conference League opener on neutral territory in Poland.
Match News and Current Form
The ongoing unrest in Ukraine has understandably taken its toll on Dynamo Kyiv’s European performances, with the former Champions League regulars now plying their trade in UEFA’s third-tier competition. The Blue and Whites have already been dumped out of both Champions League and Europa League qualifying this season, but they have at least avoided defeat in six successive matches (W3, D3). Dynamo will therefore hope for an improvement on their dismal showing in last season’s Europa League, in which they were dumped out at the end of the league phase after securing just one win (D1, L6).
No side in Europe’s top-five leagues can boast an unbeaten record as long as Crystal Palace’s, who’ve avoided defeat in each of their last 18 matches across all competitions (W10, D8). That’s a joint club record for the Eagles, who are buoyed by scoring in the 97th minute to inflict English champions Liverpool’s first defeat of the season on Saturday. Morale therefore couldn’t possibly be any higher as they head into their maiden European campaign earned by winning last season’s FA Cup, and manager Oliver Glasner certainly has pedigree on the continent having guided Eintracht Frankfurt to victory in the Europa League in 2021/22.
Head-to-Head History
Dynamo Kyiv have won just five of their 30 meetings with English opposition (D9, L16), with this their first meeting with a Premier League team since 2018/19 when they were beaten 8-0 over two legs by Chelsea. Palace have never met a Ukrainian side in a competitive setting.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Dynamo Kyiv’s last five games have produced an average of 4.4 total goals.
None of Dynamo’s three European ‘home’ matches this season saw both teams score.
Palace have kept three clean sheets in four away games in 2025/26.
The second half has produced more goals than the first in four of Palace’s last five fixtures.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Veteran Dynamo midfielder Oleksandr Karavaev has directly contributed to four goals in as many appearances (G3, A1), yet his last three scoring appearances for the Blue and Whites have ended in draws. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored decisively in Palace’s qualifying round for this competition, with that being his only one of his four strikes this term to come after the break.
The hosts look set to be missing Denys Popov through injury, while Palace appear to have no new injuries.
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Betting Analysis
Palace’s strength at present means that backing them in the double chance market looks appealing.
Author: Ryan Fisher