Crystal Palace's Conference League Hopes Dented by Stalemate with AEK Larnaca
Crystal Palace have been left with significant work to do in the away leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Cypriot side AEK Larnaca at a blustery Selhurst Park. The Premier League outfit wasted numerous opportunities in the first leg, setting up a challenging second leg in Cyprus.
Familiar Foes Reunite Under New Management
The two teams are familiar opponents, having previously met in the league phase at Selhurst Park back in October. On that occasion, Palace suffered a shock 1-0 defeat, which ultimately forced them to battle through a two-legged play-off against Zrinjski Mostar to reach the knockout stages. This time, they faced a Larnaca side playing under new manager Javi Rozada, who was only appointed on Monday, yet his team managed to frustrate their hosts once again.
Palace fielded a very different lineup compared to the October encounter. Former captain Marc Guehi departed for Manchester City in January, while new signings Jorgen Strand Larsen, Evann Guessand, and Brennan Johnson—all of whom started—brought fresh energy but failed to make a decisive impact. Jean-Philippe Mateta returned to Oliver Glasner's squad following a knee injury, replacing Strand Larsen late in the second half to a warm reception from the home fans.
Missed Chances Define a Frustrating Evening
Despite creating several clear-cut chances, Palace lacked the clinical finishing required to break down a resolute Larnaca defence. Guessand had the first opportunity after patient work from Strand Larsen, but his shot was straight at goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic. Ismaila Sarr then curled an effort just over the crossbar after recovering from a trip between two defenders.
Alomerovic was called into action again, tipping a Sarr cross-shot into the path of Guessand, who could only deflect the ball wide. Tyrick Mitchell missed a late chance from close range before the break, and after the restart, Adam Wharton forced another save from Alomerovic. As the final 15 minutes approached, Chris Richards nodded over from a promising position, summing up Palace's profligacy.
Mateta's introduction with just over 10 minutes remaining offered a glimmer of hope, but he failed to connect with a deflected ball. A perfectly-timed challenge from Hrvoje Milicevic denied Sarr a late opener, and while Larnaca had a rare half-chance, the breakthrough never materialised for either side.
Looking Ahead to the Decisive Second Leg
This result leaves Palace with everything to play for in the away leg, as they seek to avoid an early exit from the Conference League. The team's inability to convert chances at home has raised concerns about their European ambitions, with the pressure now on to deliver a strong performance in Cyprus. Manager Oliver Glasner will need to address the finishing issues quickly if Palace are to progress to the quarter-finals.
