UECL: AEK Larnaca Stun Crystal Palace with 1-0 Win in Conference League

Crystal Palace's European debut ends in defeat as Larnaca win 1-0

AEK Larnaca handed Crystal Palace their first-ever home defeat in a major European competition, winning 1-0 at Selhurst Park in the Conference League.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner had seen enough by that point and turned to his bench to introduce Eddie Nketiah in...

AEK Larnaca pulled off a major upset, beating Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park in the Conference League.

The defeat was a surprise, especially given Crystal Palace's recent form, highlighted by Jean-Philippe Mateta's hat-trick in their 3-3 weekend draw, though he did miss a golden opportunity to salvage a late draw for his side.

With that miss perhaps still in his mind, he squandered arguably an even bigger chance in the opening stages here, scuffing a volley into the ground and onto the crossbar when Zlatan Alomerović dropped the ball at his feet six yards from goal.

Without Adam Wharton in midfield, Palace lacked a little guile at times, a point evidenced by centre-back Jaydee Canvot taking a wild strike from all of 40 yards which, although didn’t go too far wide, had an air of desperation about it.

It was a case of job done for Larnaca as far as the first half went, as their low block was frustrating the Eagles and they managed to get into the break with their clean sheet intact.

Their defensive resistance ought to have been broken within five minutes of the restart when a well-worked short corner ended with Will Hughes planting a perfect cross onto the head of Maxence Lacroix, but his header from six yards drifted narrowly wide of the post.

His miss looked even more costly just moments later too, as a defensive mix-up from Palace allowed Riad Bajić in on goal, and he made no mistake in firing high into the roof of Dean Henderson’s net.

Defeat at home. pic.twitter.com/7KdKiF0os5

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 23, 2025

Palace boss Oliver Glasner had seen enough by that point and turned to his bench to introduce Eddie Nketiah in place of one of his three centre-backs.

Eddie Nketiah created a great opportunity for Palace when he cut the ball back to Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Alomerović made a crucial save to deny the French striker.

Palace continued to enjoy scoring chances, but Nketiah and the team couldn't capitalize, with Nketiah heading wide from Will Hughes' precise delivery.

Palace's chances slipped away as both Mateta and Nketiah missed golden opportunities, with Nketiah whiffing from inside the six-yard box.

The defeat marked Palace's first home loss since February, while Larnaca celebrated a historic win, ending their European away winless run in style against the competition favorites.