Crystal Palace's hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the UEFA Conference League were dashed on Thursday night as a 2-2 draw with Finnish champions KuPS at Selhurst Park consigned them to the competition's play-off round.
Youthful Eagles Let Lead Slip
In a match where manager Oliver Glasner made eleven changes to his starting line-up, a much-changed Palace side took an early lead. The breakthrough came in the sixth minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Christantus Uche. The Nigerian forward finished a slick move with a beautiful curling shot into the corner.
The first half was largely controlled by the hosts, who handed debuts to academy teenagers Dean Benamar and George King. Sixteen-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas also made history, becoming the club's fourth-youngest ever player. Despite creating several half-chances, Palace could not extend their advantage against opponents playing out of their domestic season.
KuPS Fightback Stuns Selhurst Park
The game turned dramatically after the break. KuPS, who had offered little threat, equalised through Piotr Parzyszek following a swift counter-attack. Just three minutes later, the visitors completed a quickfire turnaround when Ibrahim Cisse poked home from a corner to make it 2-1.
Glasner responded by introducing experienced trio Will Hughes, Marc Guehi, and Tyrick Mitchell in the 63rd minute to shore up his defence. The momentum shifted again when KuPS's Clinton Antwi was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Hughes.
Late Rally Falls Short
Capitalising on the numerical advantage, Palace found an equaliser in the 77th minute. Mitchell provided a fine cross to the far post where Justin Devenny rose to head home. Despite the introduction of strikers Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah, and relentless late pressure, Palace could not find a winning goal.
The single point was not enough to secure a top-eight finish and automatic passage to the round of 16. Glasner's side, who face Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday, will now have to navigate a two-legged play-off in February to continue their European journey.
