Crystal Palace’s first home game in a major European competition didn’t go to plan as they were beaten by AEK Larnaca, but manager Oliver Glasner said “maybe the whole environment needed it 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 a sell-out crowd was chanting Glasner’s name and singing songs about last season’s FA Cup win.
Right before kick-off a stunning Dad’s Army-inspired tifo plotting out Palace’s path from south London to May’s Conference League final in Leipzig was unfurled, with a banner underneath saying “we are the boys who will win your little game”.
The stadium has become a fortress for Palace, who went into the game against the Cypriots unbeaten at home since February in all competitions.
But the Eagles’ play never reflected the hype. Yes they created plenty of chances, 15 in total, but just one was on target.
Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the crossbar with a hooked volley from close range in the first half and substitute Eddie Nketiah should have levelled in a late rally from the hosts, but completely missed a loose ball from five yards out.
Does Glasner have a point?
“You are always told when you play in the Premier League you win the Conference League,” said the Palace boss.
“Stay humble. I don’t know if any debutant [is able] to win the competition. I don’t think so.
“We will learn from it, the players will learn. It’s disappointing, a frustrating night, but maybe the whole environment needed it to stay humble.”
