Palace v AEK Larnaca RO16 matchday programme 2526

contents

Crystal Palace √ aek larnaca thu 12 mar 2026 | 8:00pm k.o.

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, Woody Johnson

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Chief Executive Officer

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Sharon Lacey Chief Financial Officer Mitesh Velani Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright General Counsel David Nichol Head of Football Operations Karl Eccleston Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers

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21 04 manager

Head of Marketing Matt Franks Head of Safeguarding

08 chairman

Laura Baptiste Head Groundsman

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Bruce Elliott

Editor Jack Lacey-Hatton Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Joe Hardingham, James Heels

10 dean gordon 21 aek larnaca 30 Talking tactics

Contributors Robin Johnson,

36 conference catch-up

Ed Dowling, Joe Turner, Ian King, Patrick Rosanio Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

38 palace phrasebook

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50 continental quiz 51 from the terraces

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Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to the AEK Larnaca staff and players.

L

ast week’s win over Tottenham was another very important result. The players showed great mental resilience because we believed we had taken the lead, had the goal disallowed and then went behind. But our reaction was amazing. We played forward and scored some amazing goals. In the second-half we probably didn’t control the game as much as we’d have liked.

This is something we are still having to learn, keeping the focus high in every phase of the game, and valuing our defensive work. When you have one player more, sometimes it’s easier to forget this. If we can keep our intensity high defensively across the 90…100 minutes, we’ll see further progress.

We had to deal with the early loss of Daniel Muñoz in the Tottenham game, but Nathaniel Clyne once again stepped in and showed what a reliable performer he is. If he plays again tonight it will be his 250th appearance for Crystal Palace – a fantastic achievement. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to always be ready when we need him. Whatever position he has played, whether at right wing-back, left wing-back or centre-back, he is always consistent,

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The players showed great mental resilience because we believed we had taken the lead, had the goal disallowed and then went behind.

But our reaction was amazing. We played forward and scored some amazing goals

Manager

I think all the experiences we’ve had in Europe so far this season will help us tonight, as will your amazing backing from the stands. Thank you again for your support and I look forward to seeing you this evening

bringing value to the team. His experience helps a lot, and he was able to show this again last week.

Tonight is the first of two legs where we have a real opportunity to progress to the last eight of the competition. Obviously it will feel different playing the first game at Selhurst Park, but without the away goals rule I don’t think this is important.

The players know it will take two good performances to get through to the next round.

One of his biggest strengths is his ability to always be ready when we need him.

Whatever position he has played, whether at right wing-back, left wing-back or centre-back, he is always consistent, bringing value to the team

that was in the 94th minute against BK Hacken. They are a very experienced team with quite a few players older than 30. This means they have a lot of football intelligence, which they showed against us last time.

We know we’ll face a team who won’t make it easy for us tonight. But it was the same against Zrinjski Mostar in the last round. We stayed patient and waited for our chances. It will be the same in this game. We also have to show good balance on our transitions.

I think all the experiences we’ve had in Europe so far this season will help us tonight, as will your amazing backing from the stands. Thank you again for your support and I look forward to seeing you this evening

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Larnaca have already shown they can do well in this competition.

When we played them in the league phase I thought our performance was ok. We were very dominant, but then made one mistake and lost. They only conceded once in the league phase and

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Captain

dean henderson Welcome back to Selhurst Park for tonight’s fixture – another huge UEFA Conference League game under the lights against AEK Larnaca.

I

t feels like a long time since our last home game against Zrinjski Mostar in this competition.

But I feel we’ve managed to use both the win over Wolves and that night as a springboard for the rest of our season. Zrinjski made things difficult for us in the last round, but we didn’t let our heads drop and eventually got our reward.

The teams who have managed to get through to this stage of the competition are all good, wellorganised sides and we expect that for the rest of the tournament.

Larnaca, as we’ve already seen this season, are no different. They’ve been very good defensively in this competition, so we’ll have to stay patient and stick to our game plan.

Thank you to those of you who made such a great noise in the away end at Tottenham last week. Just like at Brighton, it was great having everyone just behind me so we could celebrate the goals together.

The backing you gave us throughout the 90 minutes was unbelievable.

Even when we went behind you stuck with us and we were able to have that seven-minute spell that

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Larnaca, as we’ve already seen this season, are no different. They’ve been very good defensively in this competition, so we’ll have to stay patient and stick to our game plan

Captain

It feels like these games have gone up a level now we’re in the knockout stage. That means every bit of your backing from the stands will make a difference as we look to get a strong result tonight. As I’ve said, Larnaca will be a tough opponent, so we’ll need your full support

won the game. The second-half wasn’t us at our best and we could have controlled it better, so there’s still learnings to take. But overall, it was another big step forward in our season.

I wanted to give a special mention to Cheick Doucouré who played for the Under-21s last week as he continues his recovery from injury. As professionals we know how mentally hard it is to be out of the team for so long. It takes real resilience to rehabilitate for as long as Cheicky has. All of the lads are delighted he’s on his way to making a recovery and getting back to playing with us. He’s a great person and will give the squad a big lift when he’s available.

As professionals we know how mentally hard it is to be out of the team for so long. It takes real resilience to rehabilitate for as long as Cheicky has. All of the lads are delighted he’s on his way to making a recovery and getting back to playing with us

It feels like these games have gone up a level now we’re in the knockout stage. That means every bit of your backing from the stands will make a difference as we look to get a strong result tonight. As I’ve said, Larnaca will be a tough opponent, so we’ll need your full support to get a lead to take over to Cyprus. Let’s get Selhurst Park rocking once again – enjoy the game

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chairman

steve parish Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this evening’s match, and a warm welcome back to our visitors from Cyprus – the supporters, players and staff of AEK Larnaca.

T

onight brings yet another historic evening for the club: the first leg of a European Round of 16 tie, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. In the previous round against Zrinjski Mostar, your support was crucial in getting us over the line. We’ve learnt this season that every European away game is a challenge. We will want to secure another positive result tonight to put us in a strong position ahead of next week’s trip to Cyprus. We’ve already met Larnaca in the league phase, so tonight is a great opportunity to see how much we have developed in Europe over the last six months.

Well done to both Jørgen Strand Larsen and Evann Guessand for winning their respective February monthly awards. Jørgen won the Goal of the Month prize for his header against Burnley, while Evann was voted Player of the Month for his run of excellent performances. Since making their debuts in the win at Brighton both have brought a new dimension to the team. Hopefully this is just the start of the impact they have on the rest of the season.

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We’ve learnt this season that every European away game is a challenge. We will want to secure another positive result tonight to put us in a strong position ahead of next week’s trip to Cyprus

Chairman

we are now potentially two games away from a European quarterfinal. As we enter this uncharted territory, please once again put everything you have behind the team. Let’s make South London a fortress for these final months of the season

Once again I must give a special mention to Javier Alonso and his Under-18 side for another significant achievement. Last week’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Hotspur Way secured a place in the final of the U18 Premier League Cup, for the first time in our Academy’s history.

Congratulations to all the staff and the players. We’ll face Manchester United in the final next month at Selhurst Park – so do stay across our channels for ticketing information on this historic

Whenever our Academy sides have played at Selhurst in the past, you have supported them in great numbers – and this team, who have enjoyed an excellent season to date, deserve to play a cup final in front of a big crowd at home fixture. Whenever our Academy sides have played at Selhurst in the past, you have supported them in great numbers – and this team, who have enjoyed an excellent season to date, deserve to play a cup final in front of a big crowd at home.

Last week marked the launch of our Level Up: Women in Sports Series with an event at Selhurst Park.

In collaboration with Motorsport UK - Race for Diversity and Marylebone Cricket Club, the campaign will support 30 women between the ages of 16 and 24 in progressing their early careers in sport, providing exposure to careers across the industry, behind-the-scenes insights, and workshops delivered by different partners. I’m proud to see Crystal Palace at the forefront of helping ensure sport is a diverse industry. Well done to those involved on such a successful evening.

Turning attention back towards tonight, we are now potentially two games away from a European quarterfinal. As we enter this uncharted territory, please once again put everything you have behind the team.

Let’s make South London a fortress for these final months of the season. I have no doubt it will make a huge difference.

Up the Palace!

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DEAN Ahead of a second visit from the Cypriot Cup winners this season, the matchday programme spoke with a Crystal Palace hero who has plied his trade on the Copper Island – Dean Gordon.

Interview: Jack Lacey-Hatton

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dean gordon

O

ver a near 20-year footballing career Dean Gordon played at the highest level, while also doing his share of globetrotting.

Palace fans will remember the energy, effort, and attacking prowess that Gordon showed from left back over his seven years at Selhurst Park.

A committed South Londoner from Croydon who knew what it meant to wear the badge.

But some may not know that Gordon also enjoyed a short spell in Cyprus in 2005 – his first spell outside of England.

The decision stemmed from a curiosity many of us experience at a certain point in life. A change of culture and a chance to live in a new country appealed.

“I was coming towards the end of my career,” Gordon says. “And although I loved my time in England I’d always wanted to play abroad at some stage.

“I had a contact with Sky Andrew who was Sol Campbell’s agent and he mentioned APOEL Nicosia were an option.

“There were a few players already out there like the late Chris Bart-Williams and Hámilton Ricard, who I played with at Middlesbrough.

“So, when it was put to me I snapped their hands off really.

“Obviously it didn’t have the exposure of Italy or Spain, but I thought it was a great opportunity.

“The nice weather was a draw of course! As people will know who have visited, it’s a lovely island. But the standard of football was really good.”

In a 26-game league season APOEL were nearly faultless the season Gordon played. They lost just

DEAN There were a few players already out there like Chris Bart-Williams and Hámilton Ricard, who I played with at Middlesbrough.

So, when it was put to me I snapped their hands off really.

Obviously it didn’t have the exposure of Italy or Spain, but I thought it was a great opportunity

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twice all season, but it wasn’t quite enough for the title.

“There was potential for us to win it,” adds Gordon. “But we lost out to Anorthosis [Famagusta]. It was really close.”

It was indeed, just four points separated the two clubs at full-time on the final day of the season.

“They were managed by Temur Ketsbaia, who used to play for Newcastle,” says Gordon. “Famous for booting the advertising hoardings and being a bit mad. He kind of summed up what it was like out there.

“The big games I think had a real atmosphere. As you often see in Greek football for the bigger games, the atmosphere is crazy – and in Cyprus you’ve got the Greek Cypriots but also the Turkish Cypriots.

Chris richards

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a massive opportunity to win a European trophy 14

dean gordon “So when it comes to football it’s the same kind of energy and passion.

When the stadiums are full it can be an intimidating atmosphere.

“And the standard has continued to improve since I was there. APOEL have been in the UEFA Champions League recently. Omonia and Nicosia have done well in Europe, we’ve seen Pathos in the UEFA Champions League so it’s improving.”

Indeed, as AEK Larnaca have already shown with their UEFA Conference League performances this season, they are capable of competing with the best in the competition.

Not only did they win on their last visit to Selhurst Park – the Cypriot Cup holders only conceded one goal across the entire league phase.

“I think Palace were probably surprised by just how good Larnaca were.

“They were very organised and made it difficult. It’ll be the same over the two legs this time.

“I think over two games, you’d expect the Premier League experience to shine through and for this team to have enough to come through the tie.”

Gordon believes that if they can, it could prove a pivotal moment in the Eagles’ season.

“I know they’ve still got some big Premier League games coming up and they’ll still think with two months left there’s time to get up the table.

“But with the squad they’ve got, players coming back, I really think there’s a massive opportunity to win a European trophy which has been won by a few Premier League teams in recent years.

“So there’s no reason they can’t do it. Obviously another win [in the

I think Palace were probably surprised by just how good Larnaca were.

They were very organised and made it difficult. It’ll be the same over the two legs this time.

I think over two games, you’d expect the Premier League experience to shine through and for this team to have enough to come through the tie

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league] will probably see Premier League status retained so they can focus even more on Europe.

“You just need all your big players at this time in the season.

Everyone needs to be fit if you’re going to cope with the demands of playing three games a week.

“They’ve lost [Marc] Guéhi in the January which was never going to be easy, but they’ve also had [JeanPhilippe] Mateta out as well. That has impacted the team.

“But this season’s still been a great experience for the club.”

It would be intriguing to throw Gordon at his best into the current Palace squad. Whilst his energy and athleticism would be welcome, the man who holds the No. 3 shirt he used to wear has had another excellent year in Red and Blue – Tyrick Mitchell.

dean gordon Naturally, Gordon is a fan.

“He [Mitchell] doesn’t seem to be injured much, always available,” he says. “He looks like a really tidy player.

“He’s probably not as attacking as I was, but saying that he’s scored a few goals this season.

“Like all of them from last season, they’ll be remembered by the fans as playing in one of the best Crystal Palace teams of all-time.

“It’s nice to see homegrown players coming in and doing well that’s what Palace have always had.

I think that’s massively important for this club.

“He also played for England, so he’s got one over for me there! But good luck to him.”

As well as Palace, Dean also keeps a close eye on Southampton these days. His son, z moved to the Saints from Swansea City two years ago.

Wood-Gordon is primarily more of a centre-back but they share striking similarities in playing styles.

Like his father he has also been capped at under-21 level by England and will be aiming one day to break into the senior ranks.

So does Gordon senior offer plenty of sound advice?

“Well,” Gordon pauses. “He listens to me sometimes when he wants to… and when he doesn’t listen to me, he’ll come back later and say I was right!

“Sometimes it’ll take him months or even a few years to come around.

He thinks I haven’t played anywhere, then he’ll remember I did play in the Premier League,” laughs Gordon.

Technically, he’s great on the ball.

Fantastic with it at feet, better than I was. I have told him I was more athletic, quicker, not much got past me. But if I had his technical ability I’d have probably played for England quite a few times. I hope he can learn from his mistakes, but my mistakes as well.

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“But he’s done fantastically well.

To still be only 23-years-old and to have played over 100 games shows how good he is.

“He’s not been in the team the last few weeks, but it’s all a learning curve.

“Technically, he’s great on the ball. Fantastic with it at feet, better than I was. I have told him I was more athletic, quicker, not much got past me.

“But if I had his technical ability I’d have probably played for England quite a few times.

“I hope he can learn from his mistakes, but my mistakes as well. I’m really proud of him already and just want him to have a great career.”

Hopefully Wood-Gordon will be remembered, post-retirement, by the supporters of the clubs he has played for, just like Gordon senior is at Palace.

I’m really proud of him already 17

I got myself fit playing for a few local teams 18

dean gordon

It helps that he threw in plenty of spectacular goals into his 201 league appearances for the Eagles.

They also saw a player who loved, and had a real enthusiasm, for the game. Even after his spell in Cyprus, Gordon was still globetrotting playing in new leagues, signing for A-League team New Zealand Knights in 2006.

“They don’t exist anymore,” explains Gordon. “But at the time they were the only New Zealand team playing in the Australian top-flight, the A-League.

“It was a long trip, the first time I travelled, I went via Los Angeles – 22 hours on a plane. That was long.

“Neil Emblen (a former teammate of Gordon’s at Selhurst Park, also ex-Wolves) was out there, so that was a little bit of a draw for me.

“I got myself fit playing for a few local teams, then I managed to actually play A-League games.

the football was a high standard.

But it was a real challenge. Having every away game in Australia – you’d be flying to Sydney or Adelaide for example – and the two aren’t as close as people think, it’s a three hour flight at least.

“They played the football season in their summer as well, so conditions were tough, but it was a great experience

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“The Knights were struggling that season, but I think I played six games and we managed to go unbeaten in those games.

“Again the football was a high standard. But it was a real challenge.

Having every away game in Australia – you’d be flying to Sydney or Adelaide for example – and the two aren’t as close as people think, it’s a three hour flight at least.

“They played the football season in their summer as well, so conditions were tough, but it was a great experience. I wouldn’t change it.”

Gordon may have played football at some far-flung corners of the globe during his illustrious career. But he has never forgotten his roots and where he came from.

Still South London and proud, he’ll now be hoping to see Palace reach Leipzig for the final in May and write another chapter in club history

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SHARE GOOD TIMES WITH

GREAT PILSNER GRAB A BEER THAT’S CRISP, BRIGHT AND REFRESHING 20

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AEK LARNACA

AEK LARNACA AEK Larnaca are back at Selhurst Park for the second time this season after winning 1-0 on the last visit in the league phase of this competition…

season so far

Position

3rd

Points

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Top Scorer Hrvoje Milicevic

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Nickname

Domestically Larnaca were aiming to move closer to league champions Pafos after finishing third last year, eight points behind the champions.

They begun by adding more silverware to the cabinet, defeating Pafos on penalties in the Cypriot Super Cup, following a 1-1 draw.

Their league campaign began with a confident 2–0 win over AEL Limassol, courtesy of an Enzo Cabrera brace. A hard-fought 1–1 draw away at Anorthosis followed, where Milicevic’s first-half penalty was cancelled out in the second half against the run of play.

But as we approach the league split – where the top six play one another twice more – Larnaca lie eight points behind Omonoia, having lost 1-0 to them away from home earlier in the season.

It means they will need a huge effort in the final stage of the season to close the gap and potentially become domestic champions for the first time since 1987/88.

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Kitrinoprasinoi (The Yellow-Greens)

away

Tilt at the title

home

The summer saw the reigning Cypriot Cup holders navigate a demanding UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign – eliminating Partizan Belgrade, NK Celje, and Legia Warsaw in impressive fashion – but the dream came to an end at the final hurdle.

A 6-1 aggregate defeat to Norwegian outfit SK Brann saw the Yellow-Greens drop into the UEFA Conference League, returning to a competition they last featured in during the 2022/23 season – reaching the Round of 16 before falling to eventual winners West Ham United.

But they have risen to the challenge with an excellent European campaign so far that saw them go unbeaten in the league phase.

While undoubtedly the highlight for the Cypriots was that win in South London, they also demolished another qualifier for the knockouts, AZ Alkmaar, 4-0.

A top eight place was secure on the final day with a 1-0 win over Shkëndija, giving the Yellow-Greens 12 points from six games and direct passage to the last 16.

Larnaca also had the meanest defence in the league phase, conceding just one goal – a 94th-minute injury-time equaliser against Swedish side BK Hacken.

this season

AEK LARNACA

Last Time In Europe

1-0 AEK Larnaca √ Shkëndija Thursday 18 December / AEK Arena

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Substitutes

r.Bajic

51

A. Paraskevas

99

D. Demetriou

9

10

21

41

M. Gonzalez

d.ivanoviĆ

w.rubio

j.Miramon

4

E. Saborit

2

P. Ioannou

35

C. Thoma

36

C. Loukaidis

37

D. Gerasimou

30

E. Cabrera

19

K. Angielski

93

G. Gnali

goal cards

29

7

g.naoum

l.gustavo

14

27

15

22

l.Angel

v.Roberge

h.miliceviĆ

e.ekpolo

1 z.Alomerović subs

match recap AEK Larnaca completed a successful league phase campaign with a 1-0 win over Macedonian side KF Shkëndija.

But they were struggling to break down a resilient defence in front of an expectant crowd at the AEK Arena.

It was only once Lindon Lafiti was sent off for Shkëndija in the 53rd minute that momentum truly swung in the hosts favour.

Substitute Karol Angielski, who has since left the club in January, finally provided the crucial breakthrough with just seven minutes of normal time remaining.

Gustavo Ledes’ inswinging corner caused chaos, allowing Angielski to fire home and seal the win.

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AEK LARNACA

a brief history of larnaca We take a closer look at our UEFA Conference League Round of 16 opponents and their European record…

F

ormed in 1994 after a merger of two historical Larnaca clubs, EPA Larnaca and Pezoporikos, AEK Larnaca have since finished as Cyprus Championship runners-up on six occasions.

But for a relatively young club, the Yellow-greens have plenty of European pedigree.

Larnaca's first taste of European football came back in 1996/97 in the old UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. A storming 5-1 aggregate win over Armenian club Kotayk Abovyan got them past the first round.

Who should they face in the next round? Only European heavyweights Barcelona.

The Catalans, who at the time were managed by former England and Newcastle United Manager Bobby Robson, would ultimately progress and win the tournament.

But Larnaca certainly didn't disgrace themselves. They lost out 2-0 on aggregate – a 2-0 defeat in Camp Nou followed up by a credible goalless draw on home soil.

The player who scored the Barcelona goals? A Brazilian by the name of Ronaldo, wonder whatever happened to him...

It would be eight years before the Yellow-greens returned to continental competition, qualifying

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for the UEFA Cup after winning the Cypriot Cup the season before.

A 3-0 home leg win against Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva had them on course for progression, only for a dramatic 4-0 collapse in the second leg to see them crash out.

That would lead to another prolonged absence, before they were able to qualify for a group stage in 2011/12.

With the tournament now renamed as the UEFA Europa League, Larnaca navigated three qualifying rounds to write their name in history as the first Cypriot club to play in the group stage of the competition.

AEK LARNACA

Although they finished fourth in a pool with Steaua Bucuresti, Schalke 04 and Maccabi Haifa, they did win a game at this stage for the first time, defeating Haifa 2-1 at home.

Domestically Larnaca were also progressing rapidly. An influx of Spanish players following the arrival of sporting director Xavi Roca saw a new technical style of play which reaped results. 2014/15 saw them finish as runners-up for the first time in their history, a feat they repeated 12 months later.

A runner-up finish in 2022 ensured qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in club history.

Drawn against Danish side Midtjylland in the second qualifying round, Larnaca more than matched their far more experienced opponents.

After a hard fought two legs finished 2-2 on aggregate, the tie was eventually settled by a penalty shootout, with Larnaca unfortunately exiting the tournament 4-3 on spot kicks.

Dropping into the UEFA Europa League, a third-place finish in

Group B saw the Cypriots move into the UEFA Conference League at the play-off round. This was only the second time a Cypriot club had played a UEFA group stage and avoided elimination.

Ukrainian side Dnipro were seen off 1-0 over two legs to secure a place in the last 16, and until this season the furthest the club have progressed in a European tournament.

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West Ham were the opponents, Larnaca’s first meeting with a Premier League club. Despite a brave effort, particularly in the first leg in Cyprus, the Hammers won 6-0 on aggregate and would go onto lift the trophy.

Although Larnaca are yet to lift a domestic title since their merger/ formation in 1994, they have won the Cypriot Cup on three occasions, the most recent coming last season.

AEK LARNACA

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AEK LARNACA

01

gk zlatan

Alomerović age

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def yahav

gurfinkel age

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DEF JORGE

MIRAMÓN age

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gk andreas

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27 2021

DEF �NGEL

GARCíA age

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joined

33 2021

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EKPOLO age

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30 2024 27

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DEF enric

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saborit age

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DEF VALENTIN

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AEK LARNACA

TALKING TACTICS

@CPFC_Tampa

Sports scientist-turned-hobbyist analyst Pat Rosanio – better known by fans as @CPFC_Tampa – has been breaking down Crystal Palace games on social media for a number of years, having previously worked in Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays. In a new feature for 2025/26, Pat will present a scouting report on the opposition – here he examines AEK Larnaca for the second time this season…

AEK Larnaca will return to Selhurst Park with confidence – knowing they have won in South London before. The Cypriot club showed defensive solidity and organisation through their League Phase campaign of the UEFA Conference League and must continue if they wish to leave as victors. AEK Larnaca are tactically flexible and must be able to adapt in the heart of recent managerial changes.

ATTACKING TENDENCIES AEK Larnaca displayed great variance in attacking tendencies in the League Phase – having match with a possession share of 72% and another of just 32%.

Averaged across six matches, the club ranked in the middle third of UEFA Conference League sides for average possession, NPxG, goals, and shots per match.

One constant, however, is Larnaca’s affinity for crossing – where they rank second in crosses attempted and fifth in crosses completed.

This has been more “quantity” than “quality,” though. Despite ranking eighth in headed attempts on goal, Larnaca rank just 15th in goals via

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AEK LARNACA

PREDICTED LINE-UP

lb lw

garcia

cm

cb gk alomerovic

saborit

cb milicevic

rb

ivanovic

rohden

cm

st

ledes

bajic

cm rw

pons

miramon

ekpolo

header – a discrepancy that highlights poor finishing in these situations.

AEK Larnaca rely on set-pieces for goals more than nearly every other club in UEFA Conference League. 43% of their goals in the competition have come from dead ball situations – a rate that is second-highest across all clubs.

OUT OF POSSESSION AEK Larnaca boast the most resolute defence in all of UEFA Conference league. They conceded a single goal across six matches and have allowed the eighthfewest NPxG, showing their ability to limit chance creation.

Although they do allow a higher number of shots, ranking just 15th in that regard, the average quality of those shots – shown by NPxG/ shot – is fourth lowest. Additionally, Larnaca attempts the second-fewest tackles per-match and has a patient rate of engagement.

These all point to a side that works on patience and discipline.

Rather than aggressively look to

win the ball, they will frustrate the opponent into taking ill-advised lowquality shots.

While Larnaca do not often utilise the high press, they have shown a true efficiency when they do. Ranking 21st in both high press sequences and high turnovers forced, Larnaca have generated the fifth-most goals from these situations.

In fact, 22% of the high turnovers forced by Larnaca have led to a shot, a rate good for a side finishing sixth in the league phase.

THE FIRST MEETING In the first match-up between these sides Larnaca were opportunistic and efficient in their 0-1 victory at Selhurst Park. Larnaca scored from their only shot in open-play, and were able to maintain a clean sheet against 15 shots at a worth of 1.8 xG. With a return leg in Cyprus, it would not be surprising to see a similar pragmatic set up, aiming to frustrate the Eagles and capitalise on individual mistakes.

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ONE TO WATCH Gus Ledes has been a source of creativity for the Cypriot Cup holders. Operating from a deeper midfield, Ledes is a constant presence on the ball, ranking in the 85th percentile or higher in both touches and passes completed.

He is rarely dispossessed and constantly looking to progress the ball into advantageous areas.

HOW THE EAGLES SOAR.

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we've got history

WE'VE GOT HISTORY This campaign might mark Crystal Palace’s first-ever in a major European campaign – but that’s not to say that South London hasn’t already made its footballing mark on the continent…

Close your eyes – okay, keep them open and keep reading – and allow yourself a moment to dream. You won’t be hearing it at Selhurst Park this season, you’re extremely unlikely to do so next season, but come 2027/28…

The iconic UEFA Champions League theme music, under the lights in SE25? Nothing would surely make composer Tony Britten prouder.

No one truly knows the lyrics, but that doesn't mean we don't belt it out whenever the iconic anthem appears on our television screens.

Did you know that the music that is perhaps the most synonymous with the beautiful game since 1992 was composed by a Crystal Palace supporter, hailing from Trinity School in Croydon?

Back in 2019, well ahead of European football’s arrival at Selhurst Park, Tony sat down with Palace TV at Thornton Heath train station. Playing at the famous piano – and in between bystanders stopping to join in – he discussed the story of how it all came about, all whilst in the presence of his original handwritten score.

“I started going in my teens, late 60s, so I remember Steve Kember,” Tony said. “Everybody thought he was brilliant. We always went to the Holmesdale.

“Before I got the gig for the UEFA Champions League, I hadn't done any sporting stuff at all. I worked for Cameron Mackintosh in the days before he was a multi-billionaire. My last major gig was being the Musical Director and Orchestrator of Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre.

I thought it wouldn’t get any better than that!

“I was in a phase of doing a lot of commercials, a lot of jingles, and it was thanks to the woman who was my commercial agent at the time that I got the gig. I got the date and that was fine, but it was just another date.

Who knew?!

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“When I got the gig to write the music for this new competition, UEFA didn't really know what they wanted.

They knew they wanted something classical, which could mean anything.

I just put together a whole load of different bits of choral music on a tape and just sent it to them and said, ‘well, look, what do you like?’

“And they came back and they liked Zadok the Priest by George Frideric Handel, which starts off with a rising string phrase and lots of high trumpets. That gave me some idea – so I nicked the beginning from George, because he was he dead, so it didn't matter!

we've got history

“Then they said: ‘oh, but it's got to be an anthem.’ I said, ‘yeah, that's fine – where are the words?’

And they said ‘oh, what words?’ I said, ‘well, it’s got to say something!’

I just came up with a whole load of superlatives in English, and then I employed a linguist to literally translate them into the two other official UEFA languages, which are French and German.

“Superlatives are like ‘the greatest’, ‘the most successful’, ‘the finest’, you know, just anything that expresses what you do get when you watch Champions League football, by and large.

“After we'd done all that, after we mixed the music, I moved on. I was busy doing other stuff. I was in touch with them and I went to some

matches, and we made sure that it worked in the stadiums and all that stuff. And then it was just another job.

“I don't think anybody involved with this project ever imagined that it would become what it's become now.

“My original score is in pencil, long before computer synths and scores and all that stuff. I think there are various versions of it, some of which are hanging in the boardroom at UEFA behind very nice frames, but I keep mine in my briefcase.

“There are lots and lots of stories of players saying: ‘that's the thing.’ Gareth Bale famously said in an interview he wanted to leave Tottenham because he wanted to be sure of playing Champions League football – he said: ‘I want to hear that music.’

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“It makes me feel proud and I'm glad that the music does the job.

We've created something which is still going over 30 years later.”

conference catch-up

conference catch-up Crystal Palace were one of eight teams to book their spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League a fortnight ago. Goals from Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand were enough for the Eagles to see off Zrinjski Mostar at a boisterous Selhurst Park. But what else happened on the most recent match night?

Fiorentina survive dramatic fightback One of the pre-season favourites for the trophy, Fiorentina were given an almighty scare before eventually progressing.

Leading 3-0 from the first leg, their tie against Jagiellonia appeared to be over, particularly with the Italians at home in the second leg.

But the Polish side produced a brave comeback thanks to a stunning Bartosz Mazurek hat-trick. His third goal levelled the tie at 3-3 just four minutes into the second-half.

Both sides had chances to win it before the eventual extra time.

Nicolò Fagioli's volley for the Viola and a Taras Romanczuk own goal shortly eventually put them back in control.

One final scare came with two minutes to play thanks to Jesús Imaz's long-range strike for the visitors. But ultimately Fiorentina hung on for a 5-4 aggregate win.

It completed a good week for the Tuscan side, who also climbed out of the Serie A relegation zone a few days earlier.

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conference catch-up

Lowest ranked qualifier progress Sigma Olomouc only snuck into the play-off round on goals scored which secured a 24th-place finish in the league phase before Christmas.

But their European journey will continue after they stunned Swiss side Lausanne-Sport in a tight clash.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Jáchym Šíp fired home for Czech side to put them in front on aggregate.

Omar Janneh levelled for Lausanne, before Karim Sow and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji went close to giving them the lead.

But they were hit with a sucker punch when Antonín Risek made space for himself in the box to finish brilliantly after a well-worked corner.

Lausanne threw everything at the Olomouc goal late on, but it was too late, the away side holding on for a memorable victory. It is the furthest they have progressed in a major European competition since they reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 1992.

The Road to leipzig The winner of this tie, following the second leg in Cyprus next week, will progress to the quarter-final stage.

There they will face either Italian side Fiorentina or Polish club Raków Czistochowa, hosting the first leg and playing away for the second leg.

FULL AGGREGATE RESULTS FROM UEFA CONFERENCE PLAY-OFF ROUND

Should Palace, or Larnaca, reach the semi-finals, our opponents will be one of Lech Poznan, Shakhtar Donetsk, AZ Alkmaar or Sparta Praha. At that stage we would have home advantage in the second leg.

The winners of the semi-final will then head to Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena for the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, 27th May.

KuPS Kuopio 0-3 Lech Poznan fc Noah 1-4 AZ Alkmaar Sigma Olomouc 3-2 FC Lausanne-Sport Jagiellonia Białystok 4-5 Fiorentina KF Shkëndija 0-5 Samsunspor Drita 4-6 Celje Zrinjski 1-3 Palace Omonoia FC 1-4 HNK Rijeka 37

palace phrasebook

palace phrasebook We're all going on a European tour – and whilst the language of the beautiful game is universal, sometimes you'll need a helping hand to fully get your message across… Have no fear: the Crystal Palace phrasebook is here! With this week’s visitors hailing from Cyprus, we handily provide some essential South London phrases in both Greek and Turkish – albeit in a transliterated format, to make it easier for you to read. Feel free to give some of these a try tonight, or next week…

Welcome to Selhurst Park

How was your flight?

Greek: Pos itan i ptisi sou?

Turkish: Uçuşunuz nasıldı?

Greek: Kalos irthes sto Selhurst Park.

Turkish: Selhurst Park'a hoş geldiniz.

England’s number one.

Greek: To noúmero éna tis Anglías!

Turkish: İngiltere'nin bir numarası.

We’re the red and blue army!

Greek: Eimaste o kokkinos kai ble stratos!

Turkish: Kırmızı ve mavi orduyuz.

South London is ours

I’m feelin’ Glad All Over!

Greek: To Notio Londino einai diko mas!

Turkish: Güney Londra bizim.

See you in Leipzig!

Greek: Ta leme sti Leipzig!

Turkish: Leipzig'de görüşmek üzere!

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Greek: Niotho chara pantou!

Turkish: Her tarafim mutlu!

palace phrasebook

I wish there was a decent furniture store somewhere near here Greek: Makari na ypirche ena kalo katastima epiplon kapou edo konta.

Turkish: Yakınlarda harika bir mobilya mağazası olsaydı.

Have you ever seen Brighton lift a cup?

Greek: Echeis dei pote ti Brighton na sikonei kypello?

Turkish: Brighton'ın kupa kaldırdığını hiç gördünüz mü?

Have you heard about our match programme?

Greek: Echeis akousei gia to programma tou agona mas?

Turkish: Maç programımızı duydunuz mu?

You’ve got a choice of three train stations...

Greek: Echeis epilogi apo treis sidirodromikous stathmous…

Turkish: Üç tren istasyonu seçeneğiniz var…

How far from the beach to the stadium?

Greek: Póso makriá eínai i paralía apó to stádio?

Turkish: Plajdan stadyuma uzaklık ne kadar?

Which way to AEK Arena?

Greek: Apó poú pigaíno sto AEK Arena?

Turkish: AEK Arena'ya hangi yoldan gidilir?

What did Daniel Muñoz eat for breakfast this morning?!

Greek: Ti efage o Daniel Munoz gia proino simera to proi?!

Turkish: Daniel Muñoz bu sabah kahvaltıda ne yedi?!

Does Jason Puncheon coach here?

Greek: O Jason Puncheon proponeí edó?

Turkish: Jason Puncheon burada antrenörlük yapıyor mu?

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Back so soon?

Back So Soon?

AEK Larnaca AEK Larnaca are the first team to face Palace more than once (excluding second legs) in a 'proper' European competition.

After next Thursday’s game the Cypriot Cup holders and the FA Cup holders will have met three times in one season.

In years gone by cup replays meant facing one team three or even four times a season, wasn’t irregular. But in the modern game with replays a thing of the past, playing one side three times in one competition across a season will only become rarer.

To celebrate our rematch with Larnaca, let’s have a look at some other familiar foes to have played Palace multiple times in one single season.

Aston Villa 2024/25 Let’s start with an obvious one.

Palace and Aston Villa, as you’ll remember, met on four separate occasions last season. Thankfully it proved a successful fixture for the Eagles.

The two sides faced off in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October. It was Palace who progressed inside the 90 minutes, after Daichi Kamada’s 64th minute goal earned a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.

Remarkably this was Villa’s only domestic defeat for over a year between August 2024 and August 2025 – coincidentally that run ending when Palace won 3-0 in the league.

The second meeting between the two in 2024/25 proved to be a thriller in the league. Villa came from behind twice to draw 2-2, with Ismaïla Sarr and Justin Devenny on target for the Eagles – a first goal For Devenny at Palace.

Sarr continued his excellent record against Villa in the reverse fixture, scoring twice in a 4-1 win at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah got the other goals.

And Unai Emery’s side were sick of the sight of Palace after the final meeting between the two in the season. The setting was Wembley Stadium for an FA Cup semi-final, both sets of supporters contributing to an atmosphere that will live long in the memory of those inside.

Once again though, it was the Eagles’ day. Ebere Eze’s thunderbolt set Palace on their way, before two more from – who else, but – Sarr rounded off

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a perfect day. This was the sixth – and most recent – time in club history where Palace have faced the same opponent in both domestic cup competitions across one season.

Swindon Town – 1988/89 The season record for Palace for the most competitive matches against the same opponent was set in 1988/89.

The Eagles met Swindon Town a whopping six times during that season, a feat that is unlikely to be repeated any time soon. This owed to the old format of the League Cup (then known as the Littlewoods Cup) which featured both replays and the opening two rounds being contested over two legs.

Back so soon?

Brighton – 1976/77

So when Palace faced Swindon in the second round, that was two meetings booked in for starters. The Eagles won 4-1 on aggregate to progress.

Just over three months later came the first league meeting between the two sides. Mark Bright scored twice at Selhurst Park to secure a vital three points for Steve Coppell’s side, Palace triumphing 2-1.

But, at the fourth attempt, Swindon finally came out on top in the reverse league fixture, securing a 1-0 win on a Tuesday night in April towards the end of the season.

That result proved crucial to Swindon edging out Barnsley for the final play-off spot. With Palace finishing third, the two teams were destined to meet over two legs for matches numbers five and six – with the winner on aggregate going to the final.

The Eagles again came unstuck at the County Ground losing 1-0 in the first game. Fortunately, it wouldn’t prove fatal to our promotion ambition. Four days later under the lights at Selhurst Park, Bright and Ian Wright both were on target in a 2-0 victory – with Palace memorably going on to secure promotion after defeating Blackburn in the final.

Perhaps the most memorable ‘series’ against one opponent for Palace came back in 1976/77 against our old rivals.

Palace and Brighton were both vying to win promotion from Division Three – the old third tier of English football – but to further complicate matters they were drawn against one another in the FA Cup first round.

For many it was the spark of the rivalry we know today. A 2-2 draw at the Goldstone Ground meant a replay at Selhurst Park. That also ended in a draw thanks to Rachid Harkouk’s strike for Palace, the tie finishing 1-1. Extra-time?

Not in those days. It meant another replay, just under two weeks later at Stamford Bridge.

The short version of the story: Palace emerged victorious, thanks to a Phil Holder goal. The long version?

Brighton were awarded a penalty in the final minute of the match, which they scored – only for referee Ron Challis to rule the goal out for encroachment. Brighton were incensed, adamant that only Palace players had entered the penalty area as the kick was being taken, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.

The spot-kick was retaken, with Paul Hammond making the crucial save and seeing Palace through to the second round.

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Then things took a turn for the worse.

As Challis – soon given the unfavourable nickname ‘Challis of Palace’ – was escorted from the field, Brighton manager Alan Mullery lost his composure.

A melee broke out on the touchline, with Mullery protesting wildly – even throwing money on the ground – and finding himself covered in tea in the process; he was later fined for bringing the game into disrepute.

It meant the temperature was high once again when the two sides met for a fifth time that season in March.

Harkouk was again the hero, scoring two with Dave Swindlehurst getting the other in a famous 3-1 win.

The season at least ended well for both sides – Brighton and Palace both winning automatic promotion to the second tier.

With thanks to ‘The Palacetician’ @SoCpfc on X.

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six degrees of separation

Varane would later spend time in England with Manchester United.

His final goal for the Red Devils came in a 1-0 win over Wolves on the opening day of the 2023/24 season. On the substitutes bench for United that day was….

It was Henderson’s penultimate Old Trafford appearance in the United squad before moving to Crystal Palace at the end of the transfer window. Henderson’s fist penalty save for the Eagles came in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in the 2024/25 season when the two clubs met four times. The latter meeting saw Palace triumph 3-0 in an FA Cup semi-final thanks to two goals from….

Including that memorable day at Wembley, Sarr has an excellent record against Villa, having played eight games against them and only having lost once.

He has scored eight goals in that time and assisted three more. The Villa manager for the majority of those games was Spanish coach….

dean henderson

RAPHAËL varane

On the face of it, Crystal Palace and AEK Larnaca don’t appear to share too many connections – but the football world is smaller than you might think. Join us as we take a trip through the footballing web – links tenuous, or otherwise...

ACORÁN BARRERA The Spanish attacking midfielder spent six years at Larnaca, with the majority of his career coming in his homeland. Previously with Ponferradina, Acorán scored in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid back in 2011 during a 5-1 defeat. Also on the scoresheet that night was the hosts defender….

ISMAÏLA sarr

unai emery

IMANOL idiakez The former Larnaca manager who won at Selhurst Park earlier this season. In his third spell as coach of the club, he first delivered silverware in 2018 with the Cypriot Cup. The scorer of the winner in that final – a 2-1 win against Apollon Limassol – was…

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Emery has been in charge at Villa Park since 2022. He previously spent two years at Villarreal where he led the Yellow Submarine to the 2020/21 Europa League title. One member of Emery’s backroom team that season was Imanol Idiakez, bringing us full circle….

international eagles

international eagles We’re now just months away from the biggest footballing spectacle on the planet, the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the potential for plenty of Palace representation in USA, Mexico and Canada, we’re looking ahead to the tournament throughout 2025/26 with our International Eagles feature. In each issue we’ll be looking at one nation aiming for glory in North America and examining their Palace links.

For today’s programme we’re covering four-time winners Germany, as they target number five this summer...

germany

focus

eagle in

marco Reich Whilst his time in South London was brief, Reich managed to have some significant moments in red and blue.

He came through the academy at FC Kaiserslautern and won the Bundesliga with the club in 1998 - the only time to date where a promoted side has finished first in the German top-flight.

Following spells at FC Köln and Werder Bremen, Reich would move to Derby County in January 2004, before arriving at Palace in the summer of 2005.

He made an instant impact for Iain Dowie’s side - scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Coventry City in the second round of the Carling Cup. Then, the following month – he bagged a brace against Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

His most memorable moment for Palace came just after, where his goal

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saw the Eagles knock Liverpool out of the Carling Cup Round of 32.

The Reds had won the Champions League in the previous season, but Reich’s 66th minute finish was enough for Palace to seal a dramatic 2-1 win at home.

He departed the club in January 2007, going on to feature for teams such as Kickers Offenbach, Walsall, and Jagiellonia Białystok.

Reich managed to earn one senior cap for Germany – playing 78 minutes in a 3-3 friendly draw against Colombia before his time in South London, back in 1999.

international eagles

Road to the 2026 World Cup

population

84,000,000

Capital

Berlin Spoken Languages

Julian Nagelsmann’s team will be determined to avoid the ignominy of a group stage exit this summer, a fate the team has suffered in it’s last two finals appearances.

They managed to win 6-0 against Slovakia on the final matchday of European qualifying, earning them a ticket to the finals in North America.

Die Mannschaft opened qualification with a shock defeat to Slovakia in September 2025 but rallied to secure five straight wins in a closely fought group, which also contained Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

They scored 16 goals in qualifying, with Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade leading the charge with four across the campaign.

german Currency

euro

favourite dish

bratwurst

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While Brazil remain as the most successful nation with five World Cup wins, Germany and Italy trail by just a single star – tied for second with four titles each.

Germany’s most recent tournament win came in 2014, where Mario Götze’s extra-time winner defeated Argentina in Brazil.

next up on the road

next up on the road aek larnaca (a) thursday, 19 march The second leg of our Round of 16 meeting next week will see Crystal Palace head to the AEK Arena.

Opened in 2016 to replace the Yellow-Greens’ old home the GSZ Stadium, the AEK Arena has a capacity of close to 8,000.

A UEFA Category 4 stadium, it first hosted European football in June 2017, when AEK Larnaca defeated Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar 5-0 in the UEFA Europa League.

The stadium sits on the edge of the city, comprising of four open stands of green-and-yellow seating.

The AEK Arena regularly stages home games for the Cyprus national team.

English sides have visited the stadium before. West Ham won 2-0 back in their UEFA Conference

League play-off first leg in 2023, with Michail Antonio scoring both goals.

The England Under-17 side also played at the AEK Arena back in 2024. Cyprus hosted the 2024 Under-17 Euros, with Larnaca’s home stadium the venue for England’s quarter-final against Italy.

However, it would not prove a happy hunting ground for the young Three Lions, who exited the tournament after a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat, following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

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travel tracker

We all follow the Palace, over land and sea – so keep a record of all the journeys you’ve made this season, with our handy travel tracker below!

Opponent

Venue

Competition Miles (there & back) I was there

Chelsea

Stamford Bridge

6

Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad Stadion, Norway

1,844

Aston Villa

Villa Park

198

West Ham United

London Stadium

14

Dynamo Kyiv

Lublin Arena, Poland

1,776

Everton

Hill Dickinson Stadium

410

Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

20

Liverpool

Anfield

416

Wolves

Molineux

348

Strasbourg

Stade de la Meinau, France

984

Burnley

Turf Moor

546

Fulham

Craven Cottage

20

Shelbourne

Tallaght Stadium, Ireland

782

Leeds United

Elland Road

430

Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

26

Newcastle United St. James’ Park

596

Macclesfield

The Leasing.com Stadium

426

Sunderland

Stadium of Light

586

Nottingham Forest The City Ground

308

Brighton

Amex Stadium

90

Zrinjski Mostar

Bijeli Brijeg, Bosnia-Herzegovina

2,001

Manchester Utd

Old Trafford

464

Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

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my total:

/12,341 47

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

BUDDS.COM

OWN AN EAGLE’S MATCH-WORN SHIRT

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palace for all

palace for all Palace for All is the club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) brand, and the umbrella beneath which all our campaigns, activations and initiatives sit. The message is simple: Crystal Palace Football Club is for everyone. We continually celebrate the diversity across our club, and take a proactive approach to tackling prejudice and promoting understanding.

how to report discrimination Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to identifying, confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, age, ethnic and national origin, pregnancy or maternity, disability or gender reassignment.

You can report discrimination and/or abuse on a matchday by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service – the number is 07507 477 669 – or by scanning the MyVoice QR code.

Please include as much relevant information as possible.

Please include the stand, block, row and seat number you are in, and identify the location of the anti-social behaviour, being as precise as possible. Please state if you wish to remain anonymous in your message. Security staff will make every effort to deal with the issue. If they are unable to resolve the issue, each text will be

edi strategy Our EDI Strategy sets out our aspirations as a club until 2034, as well as our objectives and commitments towards being an inclusive and diverse club.

followed up and investigated by a club staff member.

You can alternatively contact your nearest steward, who will do their best to help – and assist with your report.

We would also encourage supporters to contact customer. service@cpfc.co.uk or inclusion@cpfc.co.uk, or to make use of Kick It Out’s reporting form.

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wellbeing strategy Our newly published Wellbeing Strategy highlights our approach to ensure Wellbeing is at the heart of the club’s culture.

Fans are also encouraged, following their visit to Selhurst Park, to complete the Fan Survey after the game, or to share any EDI-related feedback via email to inclusion@cpfc.co.uk

.

More information can be found at cpfc.co.uk/information/equalityand-diversity

continental quiz

continental quiz European football is back at Selhurst Park for tonight’s Round of 16 clash, and so is our half-time quiz. Can you get full marks?

1

Which club are the most successful in Cypriot domestic football with 29 league titles?

2

The last time AEK Larnaca reached the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League they faced which English club?

3

Which Palace player has played the most minutes in our UEFA Conference League campaign so far? (Not including qualifying round)

4

Which club has won the most UEFA Europa League titles?

5

Manager Oliver Glasner led Eintracht Frankfurt to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in 2022/23, where they were knocked out by which Italian club?

6

Which of West Ham’s 2022/23 UEFA Conference League winning squad also won the tournament’s Player of the Season award?

7

Which Greek club won the UEFA Conference League in 2023/24?

8

True or False – AEK Larnaca finished the league phase unbeaten?

9

Which two countries have multiple clubs left in the UEFA Conference League ahead of the Round of 16?

10

Following his strike against Zrinjski in the play-off round how many goals has Evann Guessand scored in European competition across his career – 3, 5, or 7?

4

8

1) APOEL FC 2) West Ham United 3) Maxence Lacroix – 604 minutes played and counting! 4) Sevilla 5) Napoli 6) Declan Rice 7) Olympiacos 8) True – Larnaca won three and drew three of their six games 9) Poland and Czech Republic (2) 10) Five

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10

FROM THE TERRACES

from the terraces The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme.

Dean Williams – Happy 60th birthday Deano from all your mates at the Palace.

Welcome Ernie to the Palace Family born 6th December 2026 and becomes the 4th Generation of Palace fans.

Harry is both a Home & Away Season ticket holder & travels to CPFC games from Manchester with his partner Emily.

They’ve really enjoyed their European adventure this season & hope for a great performance tonight so they have more European destinations to travel to! Happy Birthday Harry!

Enjoy the game to current Crawley Town and East Grinstead Town superstars and future Palace players Jack Fisher and Jack Fitches! UP THE PALACE!

Happy 22nd birthday Amy love from Frankie xxx

Fly high our dear friend Ian Cousins (right of picture with The Hoover) who passed away Saturday 14 February 2026. Your infectious laughter and kindness will be missed by all your friends from The Clifton Arms. You will never be forgotten.

Very sad to share that Alan Patrick, 50, passed in January. Massive Palace fan for life. Requested Palace shirts at his funeral and went out to Glad All Over.

What a legend.

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fixtures & results

25/26 fixtures & results

may

april

march

february

january

december

november

october

SEPtember

august

Home Away FA Cup Carabao Cup Conference League Community Shield Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card

tbc

Date

Opposition

Sun 10 Sun 17 Thu 21 Sun 24 Thu 28 Sun 31 Sat 13 Tue 16 Sat 20 Sat 27 Thu 2 Sun 5 Sat 18 Thu 23 Sun 26 Wed 29 Sat 1 Thu 6 Sun 9 Sat 22 Thu 27 Sun 30 Wed 3 Sun 7 Thu 11 Sun 14 Thu 18 Sat 20 Tue 23 Sun 28 Thu 1 Sun 4 Wed 7 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sun 25 Sun 1 Sun 8 Wed 11 Thu 19 Sun 22 Thu 26 Sun 1 Thu 5 Thu 12 Sun 15 Thu 19 Sat 11 Mon 20 Sat 25 Sat 2 Sat 9 Sun 17 Sun 24 TBC

Liverpool Chelsea Fredrikstad Nottingham Forest Fredrikstad Aston Villa Sunderland Millwall West Ham United Liverpool Dynamo Kyiv Everton Bournemouth AEK Larnaca Arsenal Liverpool Brentford AZ Alkmaar Brighton & Hove Albion Wolverhampton Wanderers RC Strasbourg Manchester United Burnley Fulham Shelbourne FC Manchester City KuPS Kuopio Leeds United Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur Fulham Newcastle United Aston Villa Macclesfield Sunderland Chelsea Nottingham Forest Brighton & Hove Albion Burnley Zrinjski Mostar Wolverhampton Wanderers Zrinjski Mostar Manchester United Tottenham Hotspur AEK Larnaca Leeds United AEK Larnaca Newcastle United West Ham United Liverpool Bournemouth Everton Brentford Arsenal Manchester City

attendance/KICK-OFF 82,645 39,678 23,013 24,876 10,016 41,036 25,154 16,754 62,455 25,118 6,839 51,770 25,125 23,038 60,103 60,420 25,083 21,459 24,326 29,976 29,528 25,189 19,365 27,283 10,134 25,166 21,306 36,334 59,497 25,186 25,111 51,979 24,841 5,348 47,257 25,163 30,334 30,933 23,267 7,152 24,547 18,049 73,934 60,213 20:00 14:00 17:45 15:00 20:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 16:00 TBC

52

Result W D W D D W D W W W W L D L L W W W D W L L W W W L D L L L D L D L L L D W L D W W L W

2-2 (3-2) 0-0 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-3 0-0 1-1 (4-2) 1-2 2-1 0-2 2-1 3-3 0-1 1-0 0-3 2-0 3-1 0-0 0-2 2-1 1-2 0-1 1-2 0-3 0-3 2-2 4-1 1-1 (8-7) 0-1 1-1 2-0 0-0 2-1 2-1 1-3 1-1 0-1 2-3 1-1 1-0 2-0 2-1 1-3

Position Final 12th Play-offs 14th Play-offs 8th 9th Third round 5th 3rd League phase (7th) 6th 8th League phase (16th) 10th Fourth round 9th League phase (9th) 10th 5th League phase (18th) 9th 5th 4th League phase (9th) 6th League phase (10th) 8th Quarter-final 9th 10th 14th 13th Third round 13th 15th 15th 13th 13th KO Play-off (1st leg) 13th KO Play-off (2nd leg) 14th 13th

Daniel Muñoz Tyrick Mitchell Maxence Lacroix Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Yéremy Pino

1 2 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 42 44 49 55 59 60 63 72 73 86

53

Matheus França

Joél Drakes-Thomas

Benji Casey

Dean Benamar

Zach Marsh

George King

Rio Cardines

Justin Devenny

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Walter Benítez

Kaden Rodney

Caleb Kporha

Chadi Riad

Remi Matthews

Evann Guessand

Cheick Doucouré

Chris Richards

Borna Sosa

Jaydee Canvot

Jørgen Strand Larsen

Romain Esse

Adam Wharton

Will Hughes

Daichi Kamada

Nathaniel Clyne

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Christantus Uche

Brennan Johnson

Dean Henderson

fixtures & results

uefa conference league

16

16

qf

roadto leipzig

qf

16

sf

green path

silver path

16

sf

16

16

qf

16

qf

final 27 may 2026

54

16

Crystal palace f.c.

1 2 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 42 44 55 59 60 63 72 73 86

Dean HENDERSON (GK) Daniel MUÑOZ Tyrick MITCHELL Maxence LACROIX Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Yéremy PINO Brennan JOHNSON Christantus UCHE Jean-Philippe MATETA Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Jørgen STRAND LARSEN Jaydee CANVOT Borna SOSA Chris RICHARDS Cheick DOUCOURÉ Evann GUESSAND Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Caleb KPORHA Kaden RODNEY Walter BENÍTEZ (GK) Justin DEVENNY Rio CARDINES George KING Zach MARSH Dean BENAMAR Benji CASEY Joél DRAKES-THOMAS

For Ticketing, reaction and highlights download the Official Palace App

aek larnaca f.c.

1 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 20 21 22 23 25 27 29 30 32 35 36 37 41 51 86 99

Zlatan ALOMEROVIĆ (GK) Petros IOANNOU Enric SABORIT Jimmy SUÁREZ Gustavo LEDES Marcus ROHDÉN Ðorðe IVANOVIĆ Waldo RUBIO Riad BAJIC Kewin KOMAR (GK) Yahav GURFINKEL Ángel GARCÍA Hrvoje MILIČEVIĆ Pere PONS Yerson CHACÓN Youssef AMYN Jorge MIRAMÓN Godswill EKPOLO Jairo IZQUIERDO Champos KYRIAKOU Valentin ROBERGE Giorgos NAOUM Enzo CABRERA Robert MUDRAŽIJA Christodoulos THOMA Christos LOUKAIDES David GERASIMOU Mathías GONZÁLEZ Andreas PARASKEVAS (GK) Álex CARDERO Dimitris DIMITRIOU (GK)