Crystal Palace Host Lech Poznań in Historic Europa League Debut
Crystal Palace F.C. vs Lech Poznań is finally here. This guide, updated on 25 September 2026, covers the kick-off time, broadcast details and team news. Selhurst Park hosts its first-ever UEFA Europa League league phase fixture. Pierre Sage’s side step up a level after last season’s continental triumph.
Palace arrive as reigning UEFA Conference League champions. They lifted the trophy in Leipzig under then-manager Oliver Glasner. Sage was appointed head coach in the summer of 2026. He now leads Palace into a tougher European tier for their first competitive home game in the Europa League proper.
Match Details and TV Channel Information
Kick-off is at 8:00pm BST. The date is Thursday, 17 September 2026, and the venue is Selhurst Park. TNT Sports 1 carries the match live in the UK. Coverage also streams via HBO Max for subscribers in eligible territories.
Crystal Palace F.C. vs Lech Poznań: Match Overview and Key Info
Crystal Palace F.C. vs Lech Poznań pits Pierre Sage’s Premier League side against Niels Frederiksen’s Polish opponents. It is Palace’s first Europa League league phase match. The night is a landmark one at Selhurst Park. An English side who won the Conference League last season now faces a Lech Poznań team that has shown real attacking bite.
Frederiksen’s side scored 15 goals across four qualifying matches to reach this stage. That record underlines the threat they carry into south London. It also gives Palace fans a clear sense of the test facing Sage’s defence on the night.
Team News and Recent Form Ahead of Kick-Off
Palace go into the game out of form. They have lost three of their last five Premier League matches. The low point came in a 3-2 defeat to Ipswich Town on 12 September. Axel Disasi was sent off in that game.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson remains sidelined with an ankle injury. He is not expected back until mid-October. The club have opened talks over a new deal for him during his spell out, part of the wider picture set out in Palace’s current squad contract details.
There is better news elsewhere in the squad. Sage’s selection options for Thursday have been strengthened. That boost is covered in our report on the European match selection boost ahead of kick-off.
What Happens Next
Attention turns quickly back to the Premier League once this game is done. Supporters can get ahead of that with our upcoming domestic fixture preview for the trip to Elland Road.
For the fuller build-up to Thursday’s European bow, read our original preview piece, published ahead of the match.
