Crystal Palace continued their winless streak at Selhurst Park as they drew 2-2 with 10-man KuPS, missing out on a UEFA Europa Conference League top-eight finish.
Crystal Palace’s hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the UEFA Europa Conference League were dashed as they drew 2-2 with 10-man KuPS at Selhurst Park.
Palace made 11 changes to the team and gave senior debuts to three academy players. They took an early lead through Christantus Uche’s stunning goal.
Uche’s goal was followed by a series of chances for Palace, with Romain Esse and Joel Drakes-Thomas both going close. However, KuPS fought back, and Saku Savolainen’s pass set up Piotr Parzyszek to equalize for the visitors. Moments later, Ibrahim Cisse gave KuPS the lead, poking home Clinton Antwi’s speculative strike.
The lead was short-lived, as Antwi was sent off for a reckless tackle on Will Hughes, leaving KuPS with 10 men. Palace capitalized on the advantage, with Justin Devenny heading home Tyrick Mitchell’s cross to level the game.
Despite the numerical advantage, Palace struggled to create clear-cut chances, and KuPS’s goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl made some impressive saves to keep the score level. Drakes-Thomas tried to inject some life into the game, but his shot was comfortably saved by Kreidl.
The draw means Palace will now face the play-offs, a disappointing outcome for the Eagles. KuPS, on the other hand, will be happy with the result, having started the matchday outside the top 24.
