Crystal Palace booked its spot into the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 on Thursday with Chris Richards continuing his productive campaign for the English Premier League side.
Richards started and played 90 minutes in the Eagles’ 2-0 second leg win over Bosnian-Herzegovinian side Zrinjski Mostar. The U.S. men’s national team defender delivered a strong showing in the match, winning eight duels, making four clearances, and five defensive recoveries in the shutout win.
Despite Crystal Palace’s inconsistencies in the league this season, the Eagles remain alive for a trophy this season in Europe. Richards has remained a key part of Oliver Glasner’s squad, making 34 appearances in all competitions.
A strong end of the season could be crucial for Richards, especially heading into potential USMNT duty at the FIFA World Cup.
Crystal Palace will learn its Round of 16 opponents on Friday before traveling to Manchester United on Sunday.
In Europe, Weston McKennie scored in Juventus’ second leg win over Galatasaray but the Turin-based club suffered elimination. Johnny Cardoso also found the back of the net in Atletico Madrid’s win over Club Brugge.
In England, Haji Wright scored his 15th goal of the season across all competitions as Coventry City rallied to defeat Sheffield United.
Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad:
Europe
Champions League
Johnny Cardoso started, scored ONE GOAL, and played 83 minutes in Atletico Madrid’s 4-1 second leg win over Club Brugge on Tuesday. Atletico Madrid advanced 7-4 on aggregate.
Weston McKennie started, scored ONE GOAL, and played 120 minutes in Juventus’ 3-2 second leg win over Galatasaray on Wednesday. Galatasaray advanced 7-5 on aggregate.
Folarin Balogun started and played 74 minutes in Monaco’s 2-2 second leg draw with PSG on Wednesday. PSG advanced 5-4 on aggregate.
Yunus Musah dressed but did not play in Atalanta’s 4-1 second leg win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Atalanta advanced 4-3 on aggregate.
Malik Tillman did not dress in Bayer Leverkusen’s 0-0 second leg draw with Olympiakos on Tuesday. Bayer Leverkusen advanced 2-0 on aggregate.
Europa League
Auston Trusty started and played 90 minutes in Celtic’s 1-0 second leg win over Stuttgart on Thursday. Stuttgart advanced 4-2 on aggregate.
Erik Palmer-Brown is OUT (Ankle Injury) for Panathinaikos.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is OUT (Achilles Injury) for Celtic.
Conference League
Chris Richards started and played 90 minutes in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 second leg win over Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday. Crystal Palace advanced 3-1 on aggregate.
England
EFL Championship
George Campbell started, scored ONE GOAL, and played 85 minutes in West Bromwich Albion’s 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.
Haji Wright started, scored ONE GOAL, and played 73 minutes in Coventry City’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Daryl Dike dressed but did not play for West Bromwich Albion.
Charlie Kelman dressed but did not play for Charlton Athletic.
Aidan Morris started and played 90 minutes in Middlesbrough’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Tuesday.
Patrick Agyemang started and played 90 minutes in Derby County’s 4-2 loss to Hull City on Tuesday.
Spain
La Liga
Konrad De La Fuente came off the bench and played 22 minutes in Cueta’s 3-2 win over Cordoba on Wednesday.