With an element of positivity returning in and around Selhurst Park after a recent upturn in results, Palace welcome Cypriot side AEK Larnaca back to Selhurst Park in the Conference League round of 16.
The two sides faced each other at Selhurst back in October with the visitors taking the all important win which helped them qualify for the knockout rounds automatically.
This time, the tie is over two legs with the first in South London as the Eagles will be looking for the ultimate revenge for that defeat by ending the Cypriots participation in the tournament for the season.
Since that Conference League fixture in October, the Eagles have suffered a terrible run of form which saw them exit both domestic cup competitions, and only recently finding form again.
In contrast, Larnaca have recently gone through a significant restructure having removed both the manager and director of football, so they are a club very much in transition.
The victory for Palace in North London last week was key result regardless of how poor Spurs have been this season, and it ensured the recent run of good form continued, distancing the Eagles from the battle at the bottom of the table that they have no intention of being embroiled in.
With no game at the weekend having exited the FA Cup, the focus will have been on going deep in European competition with the hopes of an appearance in Leipzig in May, starting with victory over Larnaca.
The Cypriots will not be taken lightly for a second time and there is very much a feeling around the training ground of wanting to get the job done.
The performance against Spurs showed plenty of positives as well as plenty to work on. As we know, European competition is a different beast where patience is key which will be needed in this two legged affair.
Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Jean-Phillipe Mateta will return to the squad for the first time since his move to AC Milan fell through on Transfer Deadline Day. The Frenchman will not be fit to start but is likely to feature in some capacity.
Daniel Munoz will miss out but has hopes of a return for the visit of Leeds United on Sunday following his shoulder injury sustained at Spurs. Jefferson Lerma and Maxence Lacroix are both fit to return.
Crystal Palace face AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16.
- Date: 12 March 2026
- Time: 8pm
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London
- Competition: UEFA Conference League – Knockout Phase, 1st Leg
The second leg follows a week later on 19 March 2026 at the AEK Arena.
📌 Background & Context
- Palace were drawn against Larnaca after making it through with a 3–1 aggregate win over Zrinjski Mostar.
- The sides have already met once earlier in the competition, with Palace losing 1–0 at Selhurst Park in October 2025 during the League Phase of the competition.
- The club head into the ties in a significant state of transition having parted ways with Spanish coach Imanol Idiakez and technical director Xavi Roca.
- The changes took place after their 1-1 draw with Olympiakos Nicosia on 1 March 2026.
- Spaniard Javi Rozada has been appointed head coach for the remainder of the season.
🏟️ Head‑to‑Head
- 25 October 2025 – Palace 0-1 Larnaca
- Scorer: Riad Bajić (51’)
- The one and only meeting between the two sides.
- Palace struggled to break Larnaca down and were punished for a defensive error.
Team Form & Recent Results
Crystal Palace
- Finding form and distancing themselves from trouble at the bottom of the table.
- Conference League last remaining opportunity of silverware, remain bookies favourites.
- Defeated Zrinjski Mostar 3-1 on aggregate in play offs.
Last matches:
- Beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 away
- Lost 2-1 at Manchester United
- Beat Zrinkjski 2-0 at home
AEK Larnaca
- Mixed form in domestic league, sitting 3rd in the table, 8 points behind leaders Omonoia.
- Surprised many by finishing in the top 8 of the Conference League phase.
- Final Conference League game was a 1-0 win at home to Shkendija after late goal from Karol Angielski.
Last matches:
- Beat Akritas Chlorakas 3-0 at home
- Drew Olympiakos 1-1
- Lost to Omonia Aradippou 2-1 away
Officials
- Referee: Igor Pajac CRO
- Assistants: Bojan Zobenica CRO, Ivan Mihalj CRO
- Fourth official: Dario Bel CRO
- VAR: Ivan Bebek CRO
- Assistant VAR: Fran Jovic CRO
⭐ What to Expect
- Palace will look to avenge the earlier home defeat and push for a quarter‑final spot.
- If Palace progress, they’ll meet Fiorentina or Raków in the next round.
