Crystal Palace dominate possession but settle for a 0-0 draw with AEK Larnaca in the Conference League last-16 first leg at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie. Oliver Glasner’s side dominated possession and territory but failed to turn their chances into goals. The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s second leg in Cyprus.
Selhurst Park expected a strong response after Palace lost 1-0 to Larnaca earlier in the competition. Instead, the Cypriot side once again proved difficult to break down. A disciplined defensive setup kept the Premier League team at bay.
Palace began brightly and created their first opportunity inside eight minutes. Jorgen Strand Larsen delivered a cross into the area that found Evann Guessand. His close-range effort was saved by goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic.
Moments later, Adam Wharton collected the rebound but fired his shot wide of the target. The early pressure set the tone for much of the opening half. Palace circulated the ball quickly while Larnaca sat deep in a compact shape.
Ismaila Sarr then tried his luck from distance but curled his effort just over the crossbar. Larnaca struggled to advance forward and failed to register a shot during the first half.
The home side came closest to scoring shortly before half-time. A loose ball fell kindly to Tyrick Mitchell inside the six-yard box. The defender struck it first time, but Alomerovic reacted sharply to block the attempt.
Palace continued to push forward as the half closed. Strand Larsen and Guessand both threatened again during a spell of sustained pressure. However, the visitors held firm and reached the interval with the score still level.
Palace resumed the second half with renewed energy. Brennan Johnson delivered several dangerous crosses from wide areas as the hosts searched for the breakthrough. Chris Richards rose to meet one delivery but headed the ball onto the roof of the net.
Johnson himself tried a shot from distance shortly after the hour mark. His effort sailed over the bar as frustration grew among the home supporters. Despite dominating possession, Palace struggled to find clear openings against the five-man Larnaca defence.
Alomerovic proved to be Larnaca’s standout player on the night. The goalkeeper made several crucial saves and commanded his area well under pressure. His interventions ensured the visitors remained level throughout the match.
Guessand and Sarr were among Palace’s most lively attackers. Both players created dangerous moments but lacked the final touch. Jean-Philippe Mateta returned from the bench late in the game, though he could not make a decisive impact.
Palace finished with 13 shots and generated 1.72 expected goals. Larnaca produced only two attempts and ended the game with an expected goals figure of 0.23. The hosts also controlled 71 percent of possession.
The Eagles created three big chances and delivered 28 crosses into the penalty area. However, their finishing let them down. Larnaca’s defensive discipline helped them secure a sixth clean sheet in seven Conference League matches.
The tie will now be decided in the second leg at AEK Arena next Thursday. The winner will advance to face either Fiorentina or Rakow Czestochowa in the quarter-finals. Palace know improvement in front of goal will be required if they are to progress. Larnaca, meanwhile, will take confidence from another resilient display against the Premier League side.
