Fulham FC hosted Crystal Palace FC in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly on Friday at Motspur Park as both clubs continued preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The Fulham vs Crystal Palace fixture kicked off at 18:00 BST and offered both managers another opportunity to assess new signings, returning players, and tactical setups ahead of the new campaign. Although supporters were unable to attend the match in person, the full 90-minute contest was made available exclusively through Palace TV+.
The meeting also served as an early preview of the clubs’ Premier League encounter scheduled for September 5 at Craven Cottage.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace Team News
The Fulham vs Crystal Palace friendly gave both sides the chance to test their squads before competitive football returned.
Fulham looked to hand unofficial debuts to new arrivals Gonzalo García and César Palacios. However, experienced midfielder Tom Cairney missed the match as he continued his recovery from minor knee surgery.
Crystal Palace continued life under new manager Pierre Sage. Eddie Nketiah was expected to lead the attack, while Adam Wharton remained unavailable because of an ankle injury.
Looking Ahead
This Fulham vs Crystal Palace contest acted as a valuable warm-up before both clubs begin their Premier League campaigns. They are scheduled to meet again in a competitive fixture at Craven Cottage on September 5 in Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 season.
Both managers were expected to rotate their squads throughout the friendly, focusing on fitness and tactical organization while giving valuable minutes to players ahead of the league opener.
Full-Time Update
Crystal Palace came from behind to defeat Fulham 2-1 in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Motspur Park after both sides produced an action-packed contest.
Key Match Moments
3′ Goal – Fulham 1-0 Crystal Palace: Oscar Bobb leads a quick counterattack before setting up Antonee Robinson, who finishes with a left-footed strike.
7′ Free Kick – Crystal Palace: Jaden Cardines’ effort is blocked by the Fulham wall.
12′ Chance – Fulham: George King breaks through but fires narrowly wide.
18′ Chance – Fulham: Gonzalo García heads just over the crossbar as Fulham continue to dominate.
29′ Save – Fulham: Bernd Leno denies Jørgen Strand Larsen with a fine stop before the ball goes behind for a corner.
33′ Goal – Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace: Chris Richards keeps the attack alive and Ismaïla Sarr finishes from close range.
38′ Injury: Play is briefly stopped after Strand Larsen is involved in a heavy collision.
45′ Save – Fulham: Leno makes another important save to deny Sarr before halftime.
45+2′ Half-Time: The teams go into the break level at 1-1.
46′ Substitutions: Both managers make multiple halftime changes.
47′ Goal – Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace: Matheus França finishes low into the near corner after combining with Will Hughes, Daichi Kamada and Óscar Mingueza.
63′ Substitutions – Crystal Palace: Palace make further changes to rotate the squad.
81′ Corner – Crystal Palace: Justin Devenny’s effort is deflected behind.
82′ Corner – Crystal Palace: Joachim Andersen blocks another Palace attack behind for a corner.
83′ Foul – Crystal Palace: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi fouls Benjamin Lecomte, giving Fulham a free kick.
85′ Corner – Fulham: Jaydee Canvot concedes a late corner as Fulham push for an equalizer.
90′ Full-Time: Crystal Palace complete a 2-1 comeback victory over Fulham in a competitive pre-season derby.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace Results Today: Club Friendly Live Score, Updates, Stats