Palace ‘needed’ shock defeat by Larnaca to ‘stay humble’

After being defeated by AEK Larnaca, Crystal Palace’s first home game in a major European competition didn’t go as planned, but manager Oliver Glasner said “perhaps the environment was still needed to stay humble.”

Due to Selhurst Park hosting a game in Europe for the first time in its 101-year history, it was supposed to be Palace’s big night.

A sell-out crowd chanted Glasner’s name and sang songs about the FA Cup win at Selhurst Station, which created an additional buzz.

A stunning Dad’s Army-inspired tifo with a banner proclaiming “we are the boys who will win your little game” was unveiled just before kick-off, plotting Palace’s route from south to May’s Conference League final in Leipzig.

Palace, who have lost all of their matches at home since February, have used the arena as a fortress.

However, the Eagles’ performance never lived up to the hype. They did have a lot of chances, totaling 15, but only one was successful.

In the first half, Jean-Philippe Mateta fired a hooked volley past the crossbar, and substitute Eddie Nketiah should have given the hosts a lead before the hosts had a chance to equalize after a late rally but completely missed a loose ball from five yards out.

Does Glasner have a point?

The Palace boss assured the Palace manager that when they play in the Premier League, they always claim to win the Conference League.

“Be modest.” I’m not sure if any debutant will succeed in the competition. Not in my opinion.

Glasner added that the game “felt like it was “a little deja vu,” with his team not scoring as they should and we are punished.”

They have lost three of their previous three games to Everton, which ended their club’s record 19-game unbeaten run, and they are winless with a 3-3 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

Palace has historically had dominance over their opponents in each of their previous three games.

They would have preferred to face Larnaca, who had only previously lost to West Ham in a 6-0 overall loss in 2023.

An error was the source of the goal. In the 51st minute, Eagles goalkeeper Jaydee Canvot unleash a powerful finish that put a powerful finish on Riad Bajic.

It’s that simple, says Palace captain Marc Guehi, “They scored, we didn’t.”

Every team has a unique gameplan, according to the statement. A team sat back today, not me. We were both irritated and pleased with them.