UECL: Crystal Palace Held to Frustrating Draw by AEK Larnaca

Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca - Eagles fail to score

Highlights: Crystal Palace were held to a goalless draw by AEK Larnaca in the Conference League round of 16 first leg at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace must wait for second leg after goalless draw vs Larnaca...

Crystal Palace's dominant performance was stalled by AEK Larnaca's solid defense, resulting in a goalless draw at Selhurst Park in the Conference League round of 16 first leg. The Eagles had work to do to advance, given their struggles to break down Larnaca.

Crystal Palace started strongly, with a near-goal in the 8th minute from Jorgen Strand Larsen's excellent work on the right flank. 

He played a smart pass to Evann Guessand in the box, but his shot from six yards was somehow saved by Zlatan Alomerovic. Strand Larsen followed up with a shot of his own, but it was an easy save for the Larnaca goalkeeper.

Despite dominating possession in the first half, the hosts were struggling to break down the opposition defense after those early chances. 

That said, Oliver Glasner’s side did manage to create one more big opportunity shortly before the interval when Alomerović came to his team’s rescue again with an impressive stop to deny Tyrick Mitchell from edging Palace in front from close range. 

With the visitors struggling to pose any threat themselves in the final third, it was up to the Eagles to attempt to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half.

A great chance fell to Ismaila Sarr before the hour mark, but his header from Brennan Johnson's delivery went just wide, much to the dismay of Palace fans.

The missed opportunity was a key moment, as Palace continued to push for a winner. 

All to play for between @CPFC and @AEKLARNACA 🤝#UECL pic.twitter.com/v05jLYWyZj

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) March 12, 2026

Palace threw everything at AEK Larnaca as time ran out, but couldn't find the quality needed to break the deadlock. Chris Richards's late header from a corner went just over.

Larnaca's impressive resistance sets up a thrilling second leg. 

After missing out on the opportunity to secure three successive victories at home in all competitions, the Eagles must now switch their attention back to the Premier League this weekend when they host Leeds United.

Meanwhile, AEK Larnaca are now unbeaten in three games in all competitions and will aim to extend that run on Monday when they travel to Ethnikos Achnas in the Cypriot top tier.