Palace held to goalless stalemate by Larnaca as second leg looms
Palace held to goalless stalemate by Larnaca as second leg looms
Crystal Palace drew 0-0 with AEK Larnaca in the Conference League last-16 first leg, wasting chances and leaving the tie in the balance ahead of the return.
Crystal Palace were held to a 0-0 draw by AEK Larnaca in the Conference League last-16 first leg, a result that leaves the tie finely poised and gives both sides plenty to ponder ahead of the second leg. Palace created several chances but failed to convert, leaving them with work to do to advance in the competition.
Jean-Philippe Mateta returned from injury for Palace, providing a focal point up front, but even his presence couldn't spark the breakthrough needed to break the deadlock. The strikers and midfielders squandered opportunities, keeping the scoreboard blank and the pressure on the home side to find a killer finish next week.
The atmosphere after the final whistle was tempered by questions from coach Oliver Glasner about some Palace fans who booed the result. Glasner said the club would focus on the second leg and urged supporters to back the team as they chase a decisive result, stressing that the tie is still very much alive.
With the second leg scheduled for next week, Palace must convert chances and tighten up at the back if they want to avoid an upset and book a place in the quarterfinals. The result leaves the tie in the balance, and Palace will look to capitalize on any home leg advantage to edge through.
