Football Review | Crystal Palace 0 - 1 AEK Larnaca

Palace’s first home match in a European competition proper delivered some reality.

AEK Larnaca snatched a surprise Conference League victory

Author | Ajay

Stadium | Selhurst Park

The breakthrough came six minutes after the interval. Jaydee Canvot’s loose pass gifted possession to Marcus Rohden, who slipped the ball to Riad Bajic for a clinical finish that stunned the home crowd.

Palace had looked in control for long spells, with Jean Philippe Mateta grazing the crossbar from close range in the first half. The striker later glanced a free kick narrowly wide before seeing a point-blank effort superbly pushed away by Zlatan Alomerovic midway through the second period.

Substitute Eddie Nketiah had a golden chance to equalise late on, only to swing at fresh air with the goal gaping. Glasner’s side pressed until the final whistle, yet Larnaca’s resolve saw them over the line and condemned Palace to a first home defeat in any competition since February.

The result leaves Palace sitting 16th in the group on three points, while the resilient Cypriot side move level with Fiorentina at the top following their second win of the campaign.

A rare off night for Mateta and the Eagles

Few around Selhurst Park anticipated such a deflating outcome. AEK Larnaca arrived with only two previous meetings against English opposition to their name, both resulting in a heavy defeat to West Ham in 2023.

The mood beforehand brimmed with optimism. A Dad’s Army inspired tifo set a lively tone and the Holmesdale Road Stand roared its approval throughout the opening period. The longer the game remained goalless, though, the tension took hold.

Supporters have witnessed this pattern before. A club record 19 match unbeaten run was halted by Everton despite chances to win comfortably. The same frustrations resurfaced here.

Jean Philippe Mateta, fresh from four goals across his last two outings, could not find his touch and spurned a string of opportunities. The French forward and his teammates endured a rare misfire.

Palace still have room to recover in a sprawling 36 team format where even a finish as low as 24th can secure a play off place. The setback stings, yet further chances await to put things right.