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Ismaila Sarr scored in the first half to put Palace ahead after an earlier goal was disallowed for offside.
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Karlo Abramovic equalized for Zrinjski early in the second half.
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Adam Wharton hit the post late in the game as the Eagles searched for a winning goal.
Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Zrinjski in the first leg of their Conference League play-off tie.
Sarr’s opening goal was matched by Abramovic at Stadion Bijeli Brijeg, leaving Palace’s prospects for the last 16 in a delicate position before the second leg at Selhurst Park next week.
Palace seemed to score in the 12th minute when Sarr tapped in after a flick-on from Daniel Munoz, but the goal was ruled out due to Chris Richards being offside during the build-up.
However, Sarr did score just before half-time, placing the ball into the bottom-right corner after a neat pass from Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was making his European debut.
After the break, Palace struggled to regain momentum, and Zrinjski took advantage. Leo Mikic intercepted a pass from Adam Wharton and found Abramovic, who scored easily.
Mario Cuze missed a chance from close range after the hour, while Wharton tried to make up for his earlier mistake but hit the post, leaving Palace with a draw in Bosnia.