Crystal Palace were left ruing missed opportunities once again as they drew 0-0 with Larnaca in the Conference League, a repeat of their frustrating encounter in the group stage. Oliver Glasner's side failed to break down a resilient Cypriot defence, despite the return of Jean-Philippe Mateta from injury as a late substitute.
The France striker received a mixed reception from the Selhurst Park crowd after his failed January move to Milan. He could not inspire his side to victory, replacing the £48m club record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen with 13 minutes remaining.
Palace's best chance came early when Evann Guessand fired straight at goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic from close range. Tyrick Mitchell also went close in the first half, but Larnaca held firm to extend their remarkable run to six clean sheets in seven Conference League matches.
“I'm not frustrated today – we just didn't take the chances,” said Glasner. “We will play the third game against them and it's time to score.”
The Austrian will be hoping for a more clinical performance in next week's second leg in Cyprus, where his side must find a way past Larnaca's watertight defence to keep their European dream alive.
