Crystal Palace concluded their pre-season with a 3-1 victory against Augsburg, thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's impressive performance. The French forward, amidst transfer rumours, scored twice and assisted Eberechi Eze for the third goal. This win in Germany showcased Mateta's potential as he netted from a clever free-kick in the 39th minute and added another six minutes into the second half.
Mateta's contributions were pivotal, as he also set up Eze's goal in the 68th minute following a mistake by Augsburg's goalkeeper Finn Dahmen. Despite Augsburg's struggles to create opportunities, Phillip Tietz managed to score a late penalty for them. This match marked only their second defeat in pre-season.

Looking ahead, Oliver Glasner's team will focus on the Community Shield. They are set to face Premier League champions Liverpool at Wembley on August 10. Last season, Crystal Palace triumphed over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, adding to their confidence.
Under Oliver Glasner's guidance at Selhurst Park, Mateta has been exceptional. In preparation for the 2025-26 season, he scored twice from five attempts, with three shots on target. His efforts contributed significantly to Palace’s expected goals tally of 1.41. Meanwhile, Eze also shone by creating three chances and assisting Mateta’s first goal.
The Eagles' recent performances indicate a promising start to the upcoming season. With key players like Mateta and Eze in form, they aim to build on their pre-season success and tackle future challenges effectively.