Crystal Palace's European Frustration Continues with Stalemate Against AEK Larnaca
Crystal Palace welcomed back striker Jean-Philippe Mateta from injury, but his return was not enough to break the deadlock as the Eagles were held to a 0-0 draw by AEK Larnaca in the Conference League on Thursday night. Despite dominating proceedings at Selhurst Park, Oliver Glasner's side were repeatedly thwarted by the heroics of visiting goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic, leaving their European campaign hanging in the balance ahead of the return leg in Cyprus.
Palace's Attack Falters Despite Dominant Display
The home side controlled the game from the outset, peppering the AEK Larnaca goal with numerous attempts but failing to find the net. Mid-season signings Jorgen Strand Larsen, Evann Guessand, and Brennan Johnson all started, with Johnson adapting to an unfamiliar right wing-back role due to Daniel Munoz's injury. Early chances fell to Guessand and Strand Larsen, but Alomerovic was equal to their efforts, making crucial saves to keep the score level.
As the first half progressed, Palace continued to press, with Ismaila Sarr curling a shot narrowly over the bar and Guessand coming close again after a cross from Sarr. Just before halftime, Tyrick Mitchell thought he had scored, only for Alomerovic to rush off his line and deny him from close range. At the other end, Dean Henderson in the Palace goal was largely untested, highlighting the one-sided nature of the match.
Second-Half Struggles and Mateta's Late Introduction
The pattern persisted after the break, with Adam Wharton driving into the box and forcing another save from Alomerovic. Palace saw a penalty appeal waved away and Maxence Lacroix headed wide, while Sarr and Johnson missed further opportunities. Chris Richards also failed to convert a header from a corner, summing up the team's profligacy in front of goal.
With 15 minutes remaining, Glasner introduced Mateta, marking the French striker's first appearance in six weeks following injury. Mateta almost made an immediate impact, but his outstretched leg could not connect with a cross, and a potential offside flag might have ruled out any goal. In the dying moments, a desperate block from Hrvoje Milicevic denied Mateta a tap-in, and Richards had to make a timely clearance to prevent a late AEK Larnaca winner, ensuring the match ended goalless.
Implications for Palace's European Campaign
This result leaves Crystal Palace with work to do in the second leg, as their inability to score at home complicates their path forward in the Conference League. The team's dominance in possession and chances created was not reflected on the scoreboard, largely due to Alomerovic's standout performance. Palace will need to sharpen their attacking edge when they travel to Cyprus next week to keep their European hopes alive.
