Crystal Palace: The Eagles “need” defeat against Larnaca to “stay humble”

Crystal Palace’s first home game in a major European competition did not go to plan as they lost to AEK Larnaca, but manager Oliver Glasner said “maybe the whole environment needed that to stay humble.”

Thursday was supposed to be Palace’s big night as Selhurst Park hosted a match in Europe for the first time in its 101-year history.

There was an extra buzz at Selhurst station, and inside the ground there was a large crowd of people chanting Glasner’s name and singing songs about winning the FA Cup last season.

Just before kick-off, a stunning tifo inspired by Dad’s Army was unfurled, charting Palace’s path from south London to May’s Conference League final in Leipzig, with a banner underneath saying “We’re the boys who will win your little game.”

The stadium became a fortress for Palace, which played the match against the Cypriots without defeat at home since February in all competitions.

But the Eagles’ play never reflected the hype. Yes, they created a lot of chances, 15 in total, but only one was on target.

Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the crossbar with a direct shot from close range in the first half, and substitute Eddie Nketiah was supposed to equalize in the final minutes of the hosts’ lead, but he missed a rebound from five yards out.

Does Glassner have a point?

“You’re always told when you play in the Premier League you win the Conference League,” the Palace boss said.

“Stay humble. I don’t know if there are any newbies out there.” [is able] To win the competition. i don’t think so.

“We will learn from it, and the players will learn. It is a disappointing and frustrating night, but perhaps the whole environment needed it to remain humble.”