Crystal Palace recorded a 0-0 draw against AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday. The hosts were booed by sections of the crowd at Selhurst Park following the final whistle in driving rain and strong winds. The result extends a difficult period for the London club across all sports competitions this season.
Crystal Palace maintained possession but failed to convert scoring opportunities. Evann Guessand directed a shot straight at AEK Larnaca goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic in the eighth minute. Tyrick Mitchell had a close-range attempt stopped by the goalkeeper’s outstretched leg. Chris Richards headed a corner kick over the crossbar from six yards out.
Manager Oliver Glasner utilized Brennan Johnson in a hybrid wing-back position to compensate for the absence of the injured Daniel Munoz. The tactical adjustment failed to produce a goal.
Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was jeered by home supporters when he entered the match as a substitute. The appearance was his first since a proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed on Deadline Day.
AEK Larnaca, playing their first match under newly appointed head coach Javi Rozada, created a late scoring chance. Enzo Cabrera sent a deflected header just wide of the target. The Cypriot club has now recorded six clean sheets in seven Conference League matches this season.
The draw follows an earlier meeting between the two clubs. AEK Larnaca defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park in October 2025 during the competition’s league phase. That defeat required Crystal Palace to enter a knockout play-off against Zrinjski Mostar to qualify for the last-16.
The reception at Selhurst Park occurred against the backdrop of wider organizational changes. Club captain Marc Guehi was sold to Manchester City in January, and the club previously confirmed Glasner will leave his managerial position at the end of the season.
The second leg is scheduled to take place at the AEK Arena in Cyprus on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The winner of the aggregate tie will advance to play either Fiorentina or Rakow Czestochowa in the next round.