Crystal Palace face two-legged playoff as European dream grows

Crystal Palace are set for a tougher route to the knockout rounds after drawing 2-2 with KuPS, leaving them outside the automatic last-16 places in the Conference League. They must now win a two-match playoff in February to keep their European campaign alive.

The club, in their first season competing in major European competition, will contest the playoff legs on 19 February and 26 February, needing a success to advance from the group-stage finish of 10th.

To fit the compressed timetable, manager Oliver Glasner handed opportunities to fringe players and academy talents for the KuPS clash, even as he kept one eye on Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United.

With back-to-back first-team fixtures and a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal looming next week, Palace now face two further European games in early 2025. Depending on results, they could end the season with as many as 68 matches across all competitions, including a Community Shield appearance.

“With the demotion, we started the playoffs in August and now we face them again in February,” Glasner said after the KuPS game. “The result isn’t what we wanted. It’s a game we could have won.” He also stressed the challenge of keeping opponents guessing, noting that only a few players started both of the recent league and cup fixtures.

European fate despite the setback

Palace’s mood remains surprisingly upbeat despite missing the automatic last-16 spot. They begin their FA Cup defence at non-league Macclesfield on 10 January, and former England defender Joleon Lescott believes Glasner can use a mix of fringe and academy players to manage both Europe and domestic duties.

Against KuPS, 16-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas, 17-year-old Dean Benamar, and 18-year-old George King made their senior debuts, and the youth trio did not look out of place on the big stage.

Future uncertainty and a busy six months

Glasner is approaching the final six months of his contract, and Palace’s ownership group has begun evaluating the manager’s future amid rising interest in key players. Talks about a new deal have been ongoing, but there’s little concrete progress, leaving the Austrian coach focused on the present rather than contract speculation.

There is also ongoing chatter about the futures of defenders Marc Guehi and midfielder Adam Wharton, who have attracted interest from other clubs as Palace navigates European obligations and domestic competitions.

Potential playoff opponents

The knockout-stage draw for the Conference League play-offs is set for 16 January. Palace, as a seeded side, will play at home in the second leg and could meet either Sigma Olomouc from the Czech Republic or Zrinjski Mostar from Bosnia and Herzegovina, depending on the draw.

Looking ahead to a challenging few months

While a final in Leipzig on 27 May looms large, there are nine more competitive matches to navigate to reach that stage. The winners of this competition in recent years include West Ham and Chelsea, highlighting the rising prestige of the Conference League in English football. Glasner has often spoken about the emotional value of success for Palace fans, comparing it to major life moments that stay with you forever.

Expert comment

Expert: Former England defender Joleon Lescott believes Glasner can balance youth and experience, using fringe players to lighten the load while keeping the club competitive on multiple fronts. He argues that smart squad management is key to thriving in Europe and at home.

Short summary

Crystal Palace remain alive in European competition but face a playoff route to reach the knockout rounds. The fixture congestion demands smart rotation and faith in youth, with Glasner weighing his contract scenario and squad dynamics. The draw for playoff opponents on 16 January will shape Palace’s path, with the second leg at home giving them an edge.

Key insight: Palace’s European journey hinges on balancing a busy schedule with effective squad management, leveraging youth with experience as they enter the Conference League play-offs. BBC Sport

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