Christantus Uche's stunning strike wasn't enough to secure Crystal Palace direct passage to the UEFA Conference League round of 16, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Finnish champions KuPS. The result means Oliver Glasner's side will have to settle for a play-off place after finishing tenth in the Conference League table.
Uche lit up Selhurst Park with a Puskas-worthy goal in the 6th minute, curling a beautiful shot into the far corner with the outside of his right foot. The Nigerian forward's moment of brilliance came after a slick passing interchange down the right flank. It marked his second goal for the club.
Glasner made 11 changes to the team that faced Manchester City last weekend, handing first-team debuts to several academy graduates, including sixteen-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas. Despite the changes, Palace dominated the first half, creating several chances to extend their lead. Uche himself was denied a second goal by a crucial block from Cisse.
However, KuPS returned with renewed intensity after the break, scoring two goals in quick succession. Piotr Parzyszek equalized in the 50th minute, followed by Ibrahim Cisse just three minutes later. KuPS even had a third goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Palace were given a lifeline in the 73rd minute when Clinton Antwi was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Will Hughes. The Eagles capitalized on the man advantage almost immediately, with Justin Devenny heading home Tyrick Mitchell's cross to equalize.
Despite late pressure and glorious chances for Devenny and Eddie Nketiah, Palace were unable to find a winner. KuPS goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl held firm, securing a point that also sends the Finnish side to the play-offs.
The draw means Palace's already congested season will be extended with a two-legged play-off at the end of February. Glasner, who has a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal next week, admitted that he prioritized the Premier League game against Leeds United on Saturday, given the short turnaround.
