Crystal Palace Face Conference League Challenge After Goalless Draw with AEK Larnaca

Crystal Palace will have to produce a strong performance away from home to keep their European hopes alive after being held to a goalless draw by AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League last-16 tie at Selhurst Park.

The stalemate leaves Oliver Glasner’s side with work to do in the return leg in Cyprus, particularly against opponents who have already proved difficult for the Premier League club this season.

The two teams were already familiar with one another, having met during the league phase in October, when Palace suffered a surprise 1–0 defeat at Selhurst Park. That result ultimately forced the Eagles to navigate a demanding two-legged play-off against Zrinjski Mostar to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

Jean-Philippe Mateta returned to Glasner’s squad following a knee injury and was warmly received by the home supporters when he replaced Jorgen Strand Larsen late in the second half. The French striker’s failed January transfer to AC Milan had been one of several developments that unsettled the club during the winter window, but his introduction provided a late attacking option.

Despite enjoying several opportunities, Palace struggled to find a decisive finishing touch against a resilient Larnaca side playing their first match under newly appointed head coach Javi Rozada.

Glasner fielded a noticeably different line-up from the one that faced the Cypriot club earlier in the campaign. Former captain Marc Guehi completed a move to Manchester City in January, while new arrivals Jorgen Strand Larsen, Evann Guessand and Brennan Johnson all started the match. Although their presence injected fresh energy into the side, none were able to make a decisive impact.

Rozada, who was only appointed earlier in the week, will be encouraged by his team’s disciplined performance as they frustrated their Premier League opponents once again.

Palace created the first meaningful chance when Strand Larsen showed good skill to evade a sliding challenge before setting up Guessand, the Aston Villa loanee. However, his effort was fired straight at Larnaca goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic.

Ismaila Sarr came close moments later. The Senegal international was initially tripped between two defenders but managed to regain possession before curling a shot just over the crossbar.

Alomerovic was called into action again when he diverted Sarr’s cross-shot into the path of Guessand. The forward rushed forward to meet it but could only divert the ball wide of the target.

The hosts continued to press before the interval, with Tyrick Mitchell presented with a late opportunity from close range, but he was unable to convert as the teams went into the break still level.

Adam Wharton forced another save from Alomerovic shortly after the restart, and Palace continued to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area. However, Glasner’s side could not capitalise, with Chris Richards heading over during the closing stages of the match.

Mateta was introduced with just over ten minutes remaining and quickly attempted to make an impact, stretching to meet a deflected ball from Guessand, but he was unable to make a clean connection.

A perfectly timed challenge from Hrvoje Milicevic later denied Sarr a late attempt on goal, while Larnaca fashioned a rare opportunity of their own. Nevertheless, neither side was able to find the decisive breakthrough, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Cyprus.