Crystal Palace's European ambitions are now hanging by a thread following a frustrating 1-1 stalemate against Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnia during the Conference League knockout phase play-off first leg.
Oliver Glasner's side, who had bolstered their forward options during the January transfer window, delivered yet another underwhelming performance that leaves their continental campaign in jeopardy.
The Eagles, previously considered among the favourites to lift the trophy, must now produce a significantly improved showing at Selhurst Park next week to progress.
Their domestic struggles continued before this European fixture, following a 3-2 loss to Wolves in their most recent Premier League outing.
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Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time.
They converted a low strike through a crowded penalty area after receiving a lay-off from Jorgen Strand Larsen, the club's record January acquisition, at £48million.
The Senegalese forward had earlier seen an effort ruled out for offside during an opening period where Palace created several half-chances without truly threatening.
However, the visitors surrendered their advantage 10 minutes into the second half when Adam Wharton carelessly surrendered possession in the middle of the park.
Crystal Palace's European ambitions are now hanging by a thread
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Zrinjski capitalised swiftly as Leo Mikic released Karlo Abramovic.
Abramovic powered his finish beyond Dean Henderson into the far corner to level proceedings.
Palace came agonisingly close to restoring their lead.
Wharton had an effort that crashed against the crossbar with roughly twenty minutes left on the clock.
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Oliver Glasner's men now face a pivotal second leg at Selhurst Park
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Yeremy Pino also tested goalkeeper Goran Karacic, who pushed his shot around the post, while Chris Richards failed to direct a header on target.
The Bosnian hosts squandered their own golden opportunity when Mario Cuze found himself bearing down on Henderson with only the Palace captain to beat.
Yet prodded his attempt wide of the right upright.
Earlier in the match, Antonio Ivancic had also wasted a clear-cut chance for Zrinjski just moments before Sarr's breakthrough.
Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time
|GETTY
The closing stages brought further anxiety for the travelling Palace contingent when the referee was summoned to review a potential penalty for handball against Daniel Munoz.
The Colombian defender had become entangled between Henderson and Zrinjski's Memija during an aerial challenge, with the hosts initially convinced they had been awarded a spot-kick.
After consulting the pitchside monitor, the official determined that Munoz had committed no offence, allowing Palace to escape with a share of the spoils.
Glasner's men now face a pivotal second leg at Selhurst Park, where they must deliver a vastly improved display to keep their European aspirations alive.
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