AEK Larnaca had never beaten an English team in a competitive match before their game with Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace's first home game in a major European competition proper
Riad Bajic puts AEK Larnaca in front after Jaydee Canvot error
Jean-Philippe Mateta has several chances for hosts, hitting the bar in the first half
Crystal Palace's first home match in a major European competition proper ended in disappointment with a shock Conference League loss to AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park.
The Cypriot Cup winners struck in the 51st minute when Eagles defender Jaydee Canvot gave the ball straight to Marcus Rohden who teed up Riad Bajic to find the net with a powerful finish.
In front of an expectant crowd, Palace had been dominating up to that point and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the crossbar with a bouncing hooked volley from close range in the first half.
The Frenchman also narrowly headed a free-kick wide just before the break and was denied by keeper Zlatan Alomerovic's stunning save from point-blank range in the 70th minute.
Substitute Eddie Nketiah should have levelled in a late rally from the hosts, but completely missed a loose ball from five yards out.
Palace, who had a strong starting XI, finished on top but were unable to break down Larnaca's resilient defence as they suffered a first home defeat in all competitions since February.
While Oliver Glasner's side are 16th in the table on three points, a second win in the competition for the visitors moved them joint top with Fiorentina.
Crystal Palace analysis: A blip for wasteful Mateta & Eagles
This was not how most inside Selhurst Park expected the night to go.
AEK Larnaca had only ever played an English side twice before - a 6-0 aggregate loss to West Ham in 2023.
The mood before kick-off was jubilant, even expectant among the home fans. There was a fantastic pre-match Dad's Army inspired tifo and the Holmesdale Road Stand filled with noise throughout the first half.
But once the match reached half-time goalless the atmosphere turned nervous.
Palace fans have seen this before. Their club-record 19-match unbeaten run was ended by Everton in a game they should have won by three or four goals.
Here, it was similar.
On the back of four goals in his two previous games, Mateta surprisingly failed to fire, wasting a hatful of chances.
This was a blip for him and his side.
There will be other opportunities for Palace in this 36-team competition, with even 24th place good enough for a play-off round spot.
What's next?
Palace have a tough Premier League match at home to leaders Arsenal on Sunday, October 26 (14:00 GMT).
Their next European game is at home to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, who Larnaca beat 4-0 in matchday one, on Thursday, November 6 (20:00 GMT).
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