Pierre Sage was handed a much-needed lifeline as Crystal Palace snatched a dramatic late 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim in the Europa League, despite playing the final stages with 10 men following Adam Wharton's dismissal.

Palace arrived at Selhurst Park desperate for a response after three consecutive Premier League defeats had left them in the relegation zone, with growing questions over Sage's future as manager.

But their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed once again as Alexander Prass opened the scoring for Hoffenheim in the seventh minute, his effort squirming underneath Dean Henderson after the hosts were caught on the counter.

Sage's side showed some attacking promise but struggled to turn possession into clear-cut opportunities, while Hoffenheim looked dangerous whenever they broke forward.

Henderson was forced into an excellent save to deny Andrej Kramaric from close range, while Palace's evening took another turn for the worse when Wharton was shown a second yellow card in the 77th minute for catching Wouter Burger with his arm in an aerial challenge.

But just when it looked as though another damaging defeat was inevitable, Daichi Kamada rescued a point in stoppage time. Yeremy Pino delivered a cross into the area, Tyrick Mitchell nodded the ball down and Kamada finished through the goalkeeper's legs to spark relief around Selhurst Park and give Sage a precious moment of respite.

The draw leaves Palace with plenty to address, particularly defensively, but the manner of their late equaliser could prove significant for a manager whose position has come under increasing scrutiny. Sage will breathe easier, although this was hardly a performance to silence his critics ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with Liverpool, live on Sky Sports.

Key moments from Selhurst Park....

7: GOAL! Prass puts Hoffenheim ahead as Henderson lets his effort slip underneath him.

24: SAVE! Henderson produces a brilliant stop to deny Kramaric from close range.

67: CHANCE! Pino goes one on one but Oliver Baumann comes out on top.

77: RED CARD! Wharton is sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

90+1: GOAL! Kamada strikes late to rescue a point for 10-man Palace!