Report: Palace strike late to pick up point against Hoffenheim

The Bundesliga side took the lead early and for much of the night, it looked like they were going to become only the second away side to win a European game at Selhurst Park since the start of 2025/26.

But Daichi Kamada became the hero for Palace, securing a point when he tucked home a close-range effort in injury-time after good work from Yéremy Pino and Tyrick Mitchell.

Timeline;

• 6: Kabak picks up an early yellow card.
• 7 - Goal: Prass opens the scoring for Hoffenheim after a clever pass from Lemperle.
• 11: Asllani nearly makes it two, but his effort is dragged wide.
• 24: Henderson makes a stunning save to deny Kramaric from close range.
• 31: Mateta forces a good save from Baumann.
• 32: Canvot gets a yellow card.
• 42: Burger forces Henderson into another smart save.
• HT: Palace 0-1 Hoffenheim
• 52: Asllani gets a run on the Eagles defence, but drags a shot wide.
• 55: Sage brings on Nketiah and Mingueza.
• 67: Baumann denies Pino with a last ditch save.
• 77 - Red card: Wharton picks up a second yellow card, leaving Palace down to ten.
• 90+1 - GOAL: Kamada levels for Eagles in a dramatic finale after converting Mitchell's cushioned header.
• FT: Palace 1-1 Hoffenheim

Palace were aiming to make it two wins from two home games in the league phase – but were dealt an early blow.

With their first genuine attack, the German side were in front. A smart ball from Tim Lemperle teed up Alexander Prass to poke the ball in from close range – Dean Henderson unable to prevent the goal despite making contact with the ball.

The Bundesliga side had never previously beaten an English opponent, but played with a confident attacking intent from the off.

An effort from Fisnik Asllani very nearly made it two in the 12th minute, but thankfully beat the post, as well as Henderson’s outstretched arm.

The Palace skipper may have been beaten early on, but made amends with yet another stunning reaction save in the 24th minute.

A long ball caused panic in the Palace area, with the ball falling nicely to Andrej Kramaric. The former Leicester man made good contact, but Henderson quickly got down to his right to stop a certain goal.

At the other end it was a story of enterprising play without the end product. Pino and Kamada created the hosts' best moment of the opening half hour. The Spaniard played a defence-splitting ball into the Japan international. Kamada took the shot with the outside of his foot, the ball going beyond Oliver Baumann, but also the far post.

The Hoffenheim keeper was called into action only minutes later – Jean-Philippe Mateta making a smart run and getting a shot in which was pushed away.

But the visitors were still creating chances. Not long before the break Wouter Burger timed a run to perfection behind the Eagles defence, only for Henderson to spread himself big and make the save.

Pierre Sage’s side started fast after the break – Pino winning a free-kick in a dangerous position, only for his effort to be deflected behind by the wall.

But Hoffenheim did pose a reminder that they were a threat on the break with Asllani getting a run on goal, only to drag his shot wide.

Sage introduced Óscar Mingueza and Eddie Nketiah – the two responsible for the winner at Fulham last week – in his first substitutes of the evening.

It didn't have the immediate desired impact, with the game instead losing flow thanks to a series of fouls from both sides.

Pino, who seemed the biggest danger to Hoffenheim’s clean sheet, had a huge chance with just over 20 minutes to play.

Found in the penalty area by Adam Wharton, the Spain international went to chip the visiting the ‘keeper, but Baumann reacted quickly to deny him.

Just as Palace appeared to building momentum, they were dealt a major blow. Wharton jumped for a header with Burger in what looked like a fair challenge.

Referee Horatiu Fesnic saw differently, issuing a second yellow card for the midfielder and leaving Palace with ten men.

The Eagles continued to throw bodies forward, but were generally restricted to long-range efforts, substitute Darío Osorio having two that were unable to sufficiently worry Baumann.

But just as hope looked lost – Kamada provided a rescue act. Pino’s deep cross found Mitchell at the back post. He cushioned a header across goal, with the Japanese midfielder providing the cool finish under Baumann and into the net.

It was the least Palace deserved for a resilient response to multiple setbacks – and the point could yet prove valuable, with Palace sitting on five points at the halfway stage of the league phase.

The Eagles return to action on Sunday when Liverpool visit Selhurst Park for a 14:00 GMT kick-off. Palace are next in European action when Real Sociedad visit Selhurst on Thursday, 26th November.

Palace: Henderson (GK), Richards, Canvot, Ahanor (McNeil, 76), Khalaili (Mingueza, 55), Timber (Nketiah, 55), Wharton, Mitchell, Kamada, Pino, Mateta (Osorio, 76).

Subs: Benítez (GK), Benetton (GK), Kalembo, Williams, Strand Larsen.

Hoffenheim: Baumann (GK), Abraha, Kabak, Machida, Rots, Kramarić, Burger (Fields, 87), Avdullahu, Prass (Bernardo, 76), Asllani (Lenz, 76), Lemperle (Daghim, 70).

Subs: Petersson (GK), Philipp (GK), Dulic, Poller, Lässig, Wagenbach.