Crystal Palace were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.
Despite dominating large portions of the match, Palace were unable to convert their opportunities on a wet and windy evening in south London. The Premier League side created several clear chances but failed to break down a disciplined Larnaca defence, marking the second time this season they have been unable to score against the Cypriot club following a 1-0 defeat during the league phase.
Manager Oliver Glasner will likely view the result as a missed opportunity, with his side enjoying the bulk of possession and attacking momentum without producing the decisive finish required to take a first-leg advantage into the return fixture.
There was at least a positive moment for Palace supporters with the late introduction of Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French forward made his first appearance since January 25 after a proposed move to AC Milan collapsed due to concerns surrounding a knee injury.
The tie now shifts to Cyprus next week, where Palace will attempt to secure progression in what represents the club’s first full campaign in European competition. With the contest finely balanced, Glasner’s side must find greater attacking efficiency if they are to keep their continental ambitions alive.
Awaiting the winner in the quarter-finals could be Fiorentina, who edged past Raków Częstochowa 2-1 in Florence thanks to a stoppage-time penalty, giving the Italian side a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.
Elsewhere in the competition, RC Strasbourg Alsace maintained their unbeaten European run this season with a 2-1 away victory over Croatian side HNK Rijeka after finishing top of the league phase standings.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott played a decisive role for AZ Alkmaar, scoring both goals in their 2-1 win against Sparta Prague.
Spanish side Rayo Vallecano also strengthened their position with a convincing 3-1 victory away at Turkish outfit Samsunspor.
Meanwhile, AEK Athens took a commanding step toward the quarter-finals after a dominant 4-0 win over Slovenian side NK Celje.
Shakhtar Donetsk also secured a strong first-leg result with a 3-1 victory away to Lech Poznań, while 1. FSV Mainz 05 were held to a 0-0 draw by Czech side Sigma Olomouc.
