Daichi Kamada scored in the first minute of stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw for Crystal Palace against Hoffenheim in their UEFA Europa League league phase fixture at Selhurst Park on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
The late equaliser provided a moment of relief for head coach Pierre Sage, whose side had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Adam Wharton in the 77th minute. The result leaves Palace with 4 points in the 36-team standings, while Hoffenheim also has 4 points and occupies an unseeded knockout phase play-off berth with 15 league-phase points remaining to be contested.
Hoffenheim takes an early lead at Selhurst Park
Tim Lemperle provided the assist for the opening goal with a through ball following a fast break.
The German visitors had several opportunities to extend their advantage. The Guardian reported that Andrej Kramarić had a shot saved by Henderson, and later, Henderson produced a strong stop to deny the Kosovo international from close range. Hoffenheim’s Wouter Burger also had a header from a corner go narrowly over the bar, and Yeremy Pino saw an effort strike the Hoffenheim wall.
Palace attempted to respond before the interval. Jean-Philippe Mateta forced Oliver Baumann into a save in the 31st minute, and Daichi Kamada saw a cross-shot from Yeremy Pino’s through ball go beyond the far post. Kamada also saw a goal ruled out for offside in the fourth minute of the match.
Kamada rescues a point in stoppage time
Palace managed to find an equaliser in the first minute of added time.
Wharton receives red card as Sage rotates squad
Wharton had been booked 19 minutes earlier following an aerial challenge, and his subsequent red card left Palace to defend with 10 men for the closing stages.
In terms of squad changes, Pierre Sage made several alterations to the side that previously lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Oscar Mingueza replaced Anan Khalaili in the 55th minute. Within 10 minutes of the second half starting, Sage made a double change, moving Kamada back into midfield and bringing Eddie Nketiah into the front three to improve finishing. Later, Darío Osorio replaced Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 76th minute, and Dwight McNeil replaced Honest Ahanor.
Pierre Sage reacts to tactical performance
Reflecting on the match, Pierre Sage noted that his team faced difficulty in duels and gave too much space to the opponent. He stated, We gave up too much space to the opponent and sometimes we had difficulty in duels.
Ahead of the fixture, Sage had discussed efforts to improve the team’s attacking structure. Yahoo Sports quoted the manager saying: We are trying to improve offensively, especially in the way we play through the back of our opponents' last line. We didn't attack the way we had decided beforehand in our past two games, so that's why we have gone back over it.
When you believe in your work and you give your best every day, consequently you believe you will get the results. If we, as staff and players, didn't give our life to this every day then I wouldn't be optimistic, but I see it. He added
When asked about the omission of defender Axel Disasi from the matchday squad, Sage responded: It's an internal decision. Sorry for that because, you know, I always reply, but I don't want to comment on this thing.
Timber and Strand Larsen return to squad depth
The return of Quinten Timber and Jørgen Strand Larsen provided a boost for Sage. Both players had been absent since sustaining injuries during a 2-2 draw against Beşiktaş in late October. Sage confirmed their availability, stating, Both [players] will be back with us. They were training with us last week but not ready to play, but now they are ready to play. All [others] will be okay.
Other injury concerns for Palace include Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is not expected to return before the November international break, Ismaila Sarr, who is managing a groin issue, and Chadi Riad, who is rehabilitating a long-term knee injury.
Upcoming fixtures for Palace and Hoffenheim
Crystal Palace will face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. The club is currently managing a congested schedule, marking their eighth match in 25 days since the October international break.
Hoffenheim, who recently secured an impressive victory over Lyon, will continue their campaign following this Europa League fixture.