On Thursday, October 2, Dynamo Kyiv began their group stage campaign in the UEFA Europa Conference League, facing English Premier League side Crystal Palace.
From the opening minutes Dynamo tried to impose a fight but it was the visitors who controlled most of the play. In the 4th minute only quick reactions from Mykhavko denied Mateta from cleverly flicking the ball into the net after a cross from the right. Palace frequently attacked through the flanks, delivering dangerous crosses into Dynamo’s box, while the home side’s only notable attempt was a long-range free kick by Volodymyr Brazhko – his first shot was blocked by Mateta and the second effort went over the bar.
Midway through the first half Dynamo suffered a serious setback. After a cross from the left Mykhavko collided hard with Lacroix and fell badly. Though he tried to continue, dizziness forced him to leave the pitch. While Dynamo were down to ten men as the substitution was being prepared, Crystal Palace struck first: Pino delivered an accurate high ball from the left, finding Munoz at the far post, who outjumped Dubinchak and headed into the top corner past Neshcheret – 0:1.
Chasing the game, Dynamo abandoned their three-centre-back setup. Winger Nazar Voloshyn came on to replace the injured Mykhavko. However, before halftime, Palace remained closer to scoring again. Sosa nearly doubled the lead but fired straight at Neshcheret from close range while Mateta squandered a one-on-one chance (flagged offside anyway). In stoppage time Kamada made a solo run into the box but his shot lacked accuracy.
