Crystal Palace’s 2025-26 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary, blending historic highs with intense off-field turbulence that has kept supporters and Premier League observers captivated. Yet, as the Eagles secured progression to the UEFA Conference League last 16 on February 26, 2026, the possibility of ending this chaotic season with European silverware has never seemed more real. For online readers following every twist in the Crystal Palace chaotic season, this narrative of resilience amid adversity offers compelling insight into one of English football’s most resilient clubs.
Moreover, the journey began with back-to-back major honours that few could have predicted. In May 2025, Palace lifted their first-ever major trophy by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, a moment that etched the club’s name into history. Three months later, on August 10, 2025, they added the Community Shield with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Liverpool after a 2-2 draw at Wembley. These triumphs not only elevated the Eagles’ status but also qualified them for European competition for the first time, setting the stage for an unforgettable season.
However, the summer transfer window brought significant upheaval. Star winger Eberechi Eze departed for Arsenal in a £60 million deal, while captain Marc Guéhi nearly joined Liverpool before completing a move to Manchester City in January 2026 for around £20 million. Top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta faced speculation, with a potential switch to AC Milan falling through on medical grounds earlier, though interest from clubs like Aston Villa, Juventus, and Chelsea persisted into the January window. These exits left gaps in a squad already navigating new challenges.
Oliver Glasner’s Future and Internal Tensions
Transitioning to the managerial situation, Oliver Glasner—widely regarded as the most successful coach in Palace history—announced on January 16, 2026, that he would depart at the end of the season. The Austrian later expressed frustration, stating the club had “abandoned” the squad following key sales, a comment that drew fan criticism and even a banner reading “finished” before the February 22, 2026, 1-0 Premier League win over Wolves.
Nevertheless, recent developments confirm stability. Glasner has received “100%” assurance from the board regarding his position until June, and he emphasised the squad’s belief in him as the critical factor. “There’s so much noise, sometimes you really don’t understand it,” he noted, acknowledging some interviews may not have helped but stressing his honest approach. This Crystal Palace chaotic season has tested relationships, yet Glasner highlighted the positive togetherness among players, staff, sporting director, and chairman.
Furthermore, the Austrian pointed to the club’s strong league standing as evidence of progress. Palace currently occupy 13th place in the 2025-26 Premier League table after 27 matches, with 9 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses for 35 points (goals 29-32). They sit 10 points above the relegation zone and just three points shy of eighth, a position that could secure European football again next season.
Key Milestones in Crystal Palace’s 2025-26 Season
| Date/Event | Achievement/Development | Impact on Season |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | FA Cup Final win vs Manchester City | First major trophy in club history |
| August 10, 2025 | Community Shield win vs Liverpool (pens) | Second trophy; European qualification |
| August 2025 | Eberechi Eze transfer to Arsenal | Major squad rebuild begins |
| January 16, 2026 | Glasner announces departure at season’s end | Heightened uncertainty |
| January 19, 2026 | Marc Guéhi sold to Manchester City | Loss of captain; public criticism from Glasner |
| February 22, 2026 | 1-0 Premier League win vs Wolves | First of back-to-back victories |
| February 26, 2026 | 2-0 Conference League win vs Zrinjski (3-1 agg) | Advance to last 16 as favourites |
This table underscores how silverware and European progress have coexisted with upheaval, providing context for the club’s current momentum.
Conference League Progress and Favourites Status
In the UEFA Conference League, Palace finished 10th in the league phase with 10 points from six matches. They overcame a tricky knockout playoff against Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar, drawing 1-1 away on February 19 before dominating the return leg 2-0 at Selhurst Park. Goals from Maxence Lacroix (36th minute, header) and Evann Guessand (90+3rd minute) secured a 3-1 aggregate victory, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Additionally, the atmosphere at Selhurst Park has been electric, described as a “fortress” by captain Dean Henderson, who assumed the armband following Guéhi’s exit. “I don’t know what all the fuss was about,” Henderson joked post-Zrinjski, capturing the squad’s focus amid external noise. The club enters the last 16 as bookmakers’ favourites—the only English side among early winners like West Ham (2023) and Chelsea (2025)—and will discover their opponents on Friday’s draw: either Bundesliga side Mainz 05 or Cypriot outfit AEK Larnaca.
Former Palace defender James Tomkins echoed this optimism on TNT Sports: “They are favourites to go on and win it from here. The opportunity they’ve got is incredible. To add a third trophy in two seasons would be remarkable.” Henderson reinforced the message: “We’re hungry for more silverware… it’s knockout football and we go into it with confidence.”
Path to a Remarkable Ending
Moreover, Glasner believes the group can deliver a “really great season,” citing improved form after a challenging 12-game winless run from December. With key players like Mateta and midfielder Jefferson Lerma expected back within two weeks, injury concerns are easing at a crucial time. The manager highlighted that the current campaign ranks among the best two in club history, especially with European football now a reality.
For fans dreaming of a fairytale finale to Glasner’s reign, the coming weeks offer genuine hope. Back-to-back home wins have restored belief, and the Conference League provides a realistic route to more glory. While the Premier League position remains solid but unspectacular, avoiding any late slip-ups will ensure stability.
In essence, this Crystal Palace chaotic season exemplifies the club’s fighting spirit. From record-breaking trophies to high-profile exits and managerial speculation, the Eagles have navigated storms that would sink lesser sides. Now, with Conference League last-16 status confirmed and board support secured for Glasner, the focus shifts to capitalising on momentum.
Whether they face Mainz or Larnaca next, Palace possess the quality and home advantage to progress further. Supporters who have endured the drama can look forward to potential silverware that would cap an unforgettable chapter. As Henderson and Glasner both stress, the noise fades when results arrive—and recent evidence points toward a season ending not in regret, but in celebration of Crystal Palace’s remarkable resilience and ambition.
The coming months will test this squad like never before, yet the foundations laid by two trophies and European qualification provide a platform for something truly special. For a club once content with mid-table security, the 2025-26 journey has redefined expectations, proving that even amid chaos, glory remains firmly within reach.
