FOOTBALL – Daichi Kamada struck a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser as 10-man Crystal Palace salvaged a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim in the Uefa Europa League at Selhurst Park yesterday.
The Japanese midfielder rescued a valuable point for under-pressure manager Pierre Sage, whose side appeared destined for another defeat after conceding early and losing Adam Wharton to a second-half red card in the 77th minute following an aerial challenge on Wouter Burger.
Palace, however, refused to surrender. Their persistence finally paid off in the 91st minute when Tyrick Mitchell headed Oscar Mingueza’s delivery into Kamada’s path, allowing the midfielder to squeeze his finish past Baumann.
The result spared Sage a fourth defeat in five matches but extended Palace’s winless European run to three games.
Hoffenheim, meanwhile, were left frustrated after surrendering victory against 10 men, extending their winless record against English opposition in European competition to six matches.
Meanwhile, AC Milan suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
Bournemouth maintained their perfect record in this tournament with a 3-1 victory over Sparta Prague.
Ferencvaros produced one of the evening’s biggest upsets at San Siro, handing the Italian giants another setback in their European campaign.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, came from behind to defeat 10-man Sparta Prague, securing their fourth consecutive victory in the competition.
Belgian outfit Anderlecht strengthened their position with a convincing 2-0 home triumph over Austrian side Salzburg.
Elsewhere, Levski Sofia edged Polish visitors Jagiellonia Bialystok 1-0, while Czech club Viktoria Plzen secured a narrow 1-0 away victory against Norway’s Lillestrom.
Dutch side NEC Nijmegen also impressed, overcoming Omonia Nicosia 3-1 in an entertaining encounter.
Real Sociedad and French opponents Lyon shared the spoils following a closely contested 1-1 draw in Spain.
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