Mateta and Rodrigo net as Palace and Leeds draw in friendly

This Friday, Leeds United claimed their first draw of pre-season as they could not get past a strong Palace side who have already played six friendlies this summer.

After a spectacular fireworks display pre-match, the first half was less exciting. The first 45 was characterised by 50/50 challenges and a number of yellow cards.

Patrick Bamford went the closest during the half with a shot from the edge of the box which brushed the post.

After the break, the match was given life when Palace made a mistake at the back. In the 57th minute, Joel Ward committed a foul inside the box when attempting to clear the ball and a penalty was awarded to Leeds.

The Eagles protested but the referee was sure of his decision. Leeds' Rodrigo stepped up to slot the penalty past Guaita in the Palace net.

Ten minutes later, a rapid Palace counter brought about the leveller. Jordan Ayew found space down the wing and left Kristienssen in his wake.

Jean-Phillipe Mateta galloped up the pitch in support and he had the simplist of tap-ins to find the equaliser. Both sides had opportunities to get a second goal but the score remained 1-1 until the final whistle sounded.

 

July 22, 2022