Crystal Palace's hopes of securing a direct route to the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals were dashed on Thursday night after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Finnish champions KuPS at Selhurst Park.
Missed Opportunity Seals Play-Off Fate
Needing a victory to guarantee a top-eight finish in the competition's league phase, Oliver Glasner's side could not find a decisive winner and must now navigate a two-legged play-off tie to reach the last eight. The result caps a disappointing end to the group stage for the Eagles, who had controlled much of the encounter.
The match, played on Thursday 18 December 2025, saw Glasner make sweeping changes, handing debuts to several academy prospects. Sixteen-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas became the club's fourth-youngest ever player, with teenagers Dean Benamar and George King also making their first senior appearances.
Uche Shines But Defence Falters
Palace started brightly and were rewarded in the sixth minute with a moment of pure quality. A fluid move down the right culminated in Christantus Uche curling a beautiful shot into the far corner from the edge of the box, giving the Eagles an early lead.
Despite dominating possession and creating a host of half-chances, Palace failed to extend their advantage against a KuPS side operating out of their domestic season. This profligacy proved costly after the break.
The visitors stunned Selhurst Park by turning the game on its head in a matter of minutes. First, Piotr Parzyszek fired home after Palace's midfield was bypassed too easily. Then, just three minutes later, Ibrahim Cisse poked home from a corner to put the Finns ahead.
Red Card and Rally Not Enough
The game's momentum shifted again when KuPS's Clinton Antwi was shown a straight red card in the 75th minute for a dangerous tackle on Will Hughes. Palace capitalised almost immediately, with Justin Devenny heading home Tyrick Mitchell's cross in the 77th minute to level the scores.
With a numerical advantage, Palace laid siege to the KuPS goal. Glasner introduced attacking heavyweights Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah, but despite relentless late pressure, the crucial winning goal remained elusive.
The draw means Palace finish outside the top eight and must now prepare for a play-off round in the new year. Attention immediately turns to a congested fixture list, with a Premier League clash against Leeds United scheduled for just 48 hours later.
