Crystal Palace rounded off their pre-season preparations with an emphatic 5–1 victory over Swindon Town in an International Club Friendly on 18 July 2026. The Eagles’ attacking firepower was on full display at Selhurst Park, as they overwhelmed their League Two opponents from start to finish.

Match Overview

The friendly served as Palace’s final tune-up before the upcoming Premier League season. Manager Oliver Glasner fielded a strong starting XI, and his side wasted no time asserting dominance. Swindon Town struggled to contain Palace’s pace and movement, particularly in wide areas.

Key Moments

• Early pressure (8’): Palace opened the scoring with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area after a corner was cleared.
• Rapid double (23’, 31’): Two quick goals in eight minutes, including a stunning volley, put the home side 3–0 ahead.
• Swindon response (54’): The visitors pulled one back with a header from a free kick, briefly sparking hope of a fightback.
• Palace cruise (70’, 82’): Two more goals, one from a substitute, restored the four-goal cushion and sealed the 5–1 scoreline.

Tactical Story

Crystal Palace pressed high and used quick short passes to break through Swindon’s lines. The full-backs pushed high, effectively creating overloads. Swindon tried to stay compact but lacked the pace to recover when Palace switched play. The home side’s bench depth was also evident, as changes did not disrupt the flow.

Standout Players

Eberechi Eze controlled the midfield with his dribbling and passing, while Jean-Philippe Mateta’s physical presence occupied defenders. For Swindon, the goalkeeper made several fine stops but could not prevent the onslaught.

Pre-Season Context

This emphatic win will boost Palace’s confidence ahead of their league opener. Swindon Town, meanwhile, will use the experience to sharpen their defensive shape for the upcoming League Two campaign.