Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner saw his heavily-rotated side held to a 2-2 draw by Finnish club KuPS at Selhurst Park on Thursday night, a result that confirms the Eagles will face an extra two-legged playoff in February.
Youngsters Seize Their Chance Amid Chaotic Schedule
With a Premier League trip to Leeds United less than 48 hours later, Glasner made good on his promise to field entirely different XIs, making 11 changes and handing senior debuts to three academy teenagers. Sixteen-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas, 17-year-old Dean Benamar, and 18-year-old George King all started, while Kaden Rodney made only his second appearance for the first team.
The young quartet impressed in a positive first-half display, with Benamar's driving runs down the left flank particularly catching the eye. However, the game shifted dramatically after the break as KuPS scored twice within three minutes to take a 2-1 lead, exposing some inexperience in the Palace ranks.
"We played a great first half, especially the academy players," Glasner said post-match. "We could see they were not used to playing on this level though as all four were cramping after 60 minutes. But they showed a very good performance and demonstrated they are talents."
European Consequences and Squad Priorities
The draw means Crystal Palace finished 10th in the Conference League table, missing out on automatic progression to the last 16. They must now navigate a playoff round in February against either Sigma Olomouc of the Czech Republic or Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar.
This adds two further fixtures to a relentless schedule that Glasner has repeatedly criticised. The Austrian's decision to prioritise Saturday's league game at Leeds, with his side fifth in the Premier League, is set to divide fans. Glasner has stated his belief that Palace are Champions League contenders, and ultimately, defeats by AEK Larnaca and Strasbourg in earlier group games cost them a top-eight spot.
The manager will hope for a stronger squad in February, potentially bolstered by new signings in the January transfer window.
Uche Stakes His Claim With Stunning Strike
One positive from the night was the continued emergence of summer signing Christantus Uche. The Nigerian forward, largely unused in the first half of the season, followed up an impressive display last week with another here.
He opened the scoring with a wonderful goal using the outside of his foot, a finish that drew audible gasps from the Selhurst Park crowd when replayed on the big screen. His lack of club minutes earlier this season saw him miss out on Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad, a situation that now benefits Palace.
"It was an amazing goal," Glasner said of Uche's contribution. "He could have scored two or three but it was a good performance. It’s important we have him as an alternative for the others."
Despite the setback of the draw and the additional fixtures it brings, the spirited fightback for a point and the promising displays from the club's youth products provided a silver lining on a challenging night for the South London club.
