Olive Glasner urges Crystal Palace to 'stay humble' after AEK Larnaca shock at Selhurst Park

Olive Glasner urges Crystal Palace to 'stay humble' after AEK Larnaca shock at Selhurst Park

The result spoilt what was supposed to be a historic European occasion for the club.

It was Palace's first-ever home match in the main draw of a major European competition in their 101-year history, but Cypriot side Larnaca stunned Selhurst Park thanks to Riad Bajic's clinical 51st-minute strike.

The result ended Palace's 14-match unbeaten home run in all competitions and came just five days after their thrilling 3-3 Premier League draw with Bournemouth. Despite being eighth in the Premier League and FA Cup holders, Glasner said the defeat served as an important lesson.

"We will learn from it, the players will learn. It's disappointing and frustrating, but maybe the whole environment needed it to stay humble," Glasner told reporters.

"You are always told that if you play in the Premier League, you automatically win the Conference League. Stay humble. I don't know if any debutant has ever won this competition, I don't think so."

Palace dominated possession but lacked composure in front of goal. Jean-Philippe Mateta, fresh from his hat-trick at the weekend, squandered several key chances, including a golden opportunity created by substitute Eddie Nketiah midway through the second half.

Maxence Lacroix also went close, heading narrowly wide from a Will Hughes cross, while Nketiah failed to convert another inviting delivery late on.

Larnaca, who are fifth in the Cypriot First Division, defended resolutely and punished Palace's defensive lapse when Bajic capitalised on a mix-up to fire past Dean Henderson.

Glasner made attacking changes in search of an equaliser, but Palace's profligacy continued as they fell to their first home defeat since February. The loss left them with one win and one defeat from their opening two league-phase games.

Palace now turn their focus back to domestic action with a daunting trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, where Glasner will be demanding a reaction.

"It's about how we respond," he said. "We must remember what got us here, hard work, discipline, and humility."

Related News

Granit Xhaka reunion sparks emotion as Arsenal's Mikel Arteta hails Sunderland captain's impact

Granit Xhaka reunion sparks emotion as Arsenal's Mikel Arteta hails Sunderland captain's impact

  • 19 hours ago

Mikel Arteta has described Granit Xhaka as "one of the signings of the season" ahead of Arsenal's reunion with their former midfielder when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Mainz manager Bo Henriksen delighted after dramatic win over Fiorentina

Mainz manager Bo Henriksen delighted after dramatic win over Fiorentina

  • 19 hours ago

Mainz 05 manager Bo Henriksen praised his team's determination after a 2-1 UEFA Conference League victory over ACF Fiorentina, secured by a stoppage-time header from Jae-Sung Lee.

Chelsea loanee Mamadou Sarr chooses to represent Senegal over France

Chelsea loanee Mamadou Sarr chooses to represent Senegal over France

  • 23 hours ago

Strasbourg's on-loan defender Mamadou Sarr has chosen to represent Senegal at international level despite having represented multiple France youth teams.

Jadon Sancho misses his chance as Aston Villa march on

Jadon Sancho misses his chance as Aston Villa march on

  • 23 hours ago

Jadon Sancho's struggles deepened on Thursday night as the on-loan Manchester United winger failed to seize his opportunity in Aston Villa's 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.