Draw with KuPS sends Crystal Palace into knockout play-off | OneFootball

Crystal Palace will face a Conference League play-off in February after a 2-2 draw with KuPS at Selhurst Park left them outside the automatic qualification places.

With a Premier League trip to Leeds coming less than 48 hours later, Oliver Glasner rotated heavily, naming a side featuring several youngsters and squad players.

Sixteen-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas became the youngest Englishman to appear in the competition, while Dean Benamar and George King both made their senior debuts.

The changes did not disrupt Palace early on. Christantus Uche opened the scoring in the fifth minute, curling an excellent finish into the far corner after a neat exchange with Borna Sosa. At that stage, the goal briefly lifted Palace into the top three of the league-phase table.

KuPS responded after the interval, turning the match around with two goals in quick succession. Piotr Parzyszek equalised from the penalty spot in the 50th minute before Ibrahim Cissé put the visitors ahead three minutes later.

Palace were given a boost when Clinton Antwi was sent off for a foul on Will Hughes, and the hosts made their numerical advantage count. Justin Devenny headed in Tyrick Mitchell’s cross in the 76th minute to restore parity.

Despite late pressure, Palace were unable to find a winner. The draw leaves them 10th in the table and facing a two-legged play-off as their European campaign continues into the knockout phase.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Crystal Palace takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against KuPS. Christantus Uche scores with a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

5':

GOAL Crystal Palace: Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace) scores!

Christantus Uche scores goal number 2 in the competition (4 matches)

37':

Missed opportunity! Romain Esse from Crystal Palace took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it didn't hit the target.

45 +2':

Missed opportunity! Joél Drakes-Thomas from Crystal Palace took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide.

It's now Crystal Palace 1, KuPS 1. Piotr Parzyszek from KuPS scores with a right-footed shot taken from the center of the penalty area.

50':

GOAL KuPS: Piotr Parzyszek (KuPS) scores!

Piotr Parzyszek scores goal number 3 in the competition (6 matches)

53':

Missed opportunity! Clinton Antwi from KuPS took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it didn't hit the target.

Crystal Palace 1, KuPS 2. Ibrahim Cissé from KuPS scores with a left-footed shot from the center of the box after a corner kick.

53':

GOAL KuPS: Ibrahim Cissé (KuPS) scores!

Ibrahim Cissé scores goal number 1 in the competition (6 matches)

62':

Missed opportunity! Justin Devenny from Crystal Palace took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed over the crossbar. The assist came from Christantus Uche.

73':

Red Card for Clinton Antwi (KuPS)

Clinton Antwi has now picked up 0 red in the competition (6 matches)

It's now Crystal Palace 2, KuPS 2. Justin Devenny scores for Crystal Palace with a header from the middle of the penalty area.

76':

GOAL Crystal Palace: Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace) scores!

Justin Devenny scores goal number 1 in the competition (4 matches)

89':

Missed opportunity. Eddie Nketiah of Crystal Palace takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes over the bar and to the right. The attempt was set up by Jaydee Canvot.

90 +2':

Missed opportunity! Eddie Nketiah from Crystal Palace directed a header from the middle of the penalty area, but it went wide.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match