This was a severe case of deja vu for Crystal Palace on their maiden European adventure, although at least this time they managed to avoid defeat. After surprisingly losing 1-0 to Larnaca here 139 days ago in the league stage, Oliver Glasner’s side were again left to rue missed opportunities and a lack of creativity in attack despite the return of Jean-Philippe Mateta as a late substitute.
The France striker received a mixed reception after his failed move to Milan in January made him public enemy number one for some Palace fans. But having missed six weeks due to a knee injury that scuppered his transfer to Serie A in January, he could not inspire his side to victory after coming off the bench to replace £48m club record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen.
