Crystal Palace Draws with Larnaca, Glasner Puzzled by Fan Reaction
Crystal Palace and AEK Larnaca played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie at Selhurst Park on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Manager Oliver Glasner expressed confusion over the boos heard from a section of the home supporters following the match.
Match Summary
Despite dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities, Crystal Palace failed to break the deadlock against Larnaca. Zlatan Alomerovic, the Larnaca goalkeeper, made key saves to deny chances from Evann Guessand and Tyrick Mitchell. Jean-Philippe Mateta made his return to the squad after a failed transfer to AC Milan in January, receiving a mixed reception from the crowd.
Glasner’s Reaction to the Booing
Oliver Glasner admitted he was unsure why some fans booed after the final whistle. “I didn’t hear anything, and maybe they booed the referee because I reckon in the Premier League we’re used to not so many fouls, and today almost every contact was a foul,” Glasner stated. Source He questioned whether the boos were directed at the referee, Mateta, or simply a result of the scoreless draw.
Mateta’s Return and Fan Response
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s return to the squad came after his proposed move to AC Milan fell through due to a knee injury. While the reception was largely warm, some fans appeared frustrated by the January transfer saga.
Match Statistics and Analysis
Crystal Palace significantly outperformed Larnaca in key statistical categories, including possession (71%) and final-third entries (28 crosses to Larnaca’s five). Source But, the Eagles were unable to convert their dominance into goals. The team recorded 1.72 expected goals (xG) from 13 shots, while Larnaca managed only 0.23 xG from two off-target attempts.
Looking Ahead
The tie will be decided in the second leg at AEK Arena next Thursday. Glasner acknowledged the need for patience and adaptation, stating, “We didn’t know how the new manager will play, but he played the same style as in the first leg, and I expect he’ll play the same way, so maybe we have to adapt to it.” Source
Conference League Knockout Stage Dates
- Round of 16 second legs: March 19
- Quarter-finals: April 9 and 16
- Semi-finals: April 30 and May 7
- Final: May 27 [Red Bull Arena, Leipzig]