UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, Crystal Palace has been held to a 2-2 draw against Finnish champions KuPS at Selhurst Park, forcing the team into the UEFA Conference League play-offs instead of securing direct qualification to the quarter-finals.
This critical match, held just hours ago on July 15, 2025, saw Palace take an early lead with a stunning strike from Christantus Uche. However, goals from Piotr Parzyszek and Ibrahim Cisse turned the tide, putting the visitors ahead. Despite a late equalizer from Justin Devenny, the Eagles could not clinch the vital win they needed.
The stakes were high for Palace, coached by Oliver Glasner, who made a staggering 11 changes to the starting lineup, as the team prepares for a grueling schedule with a match against Leeds just 48 hours away. Notably, 16-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas made his debut, becoming the club’s fourth youngest player.
The match kicked off with Palace dominating early on, evidenced by Uche’s remarkable sixth-minute goal, curling a shot into the corner. The home team maintained control throughout the first half, but the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half when KuPS leveled the match following a defensive lapse from Palace.
After Antwi’s red card for a brutal tackle on Will Hughes in the 77th minute, Palace looked poised to seize the moment. Devenny’s header from a cross by Tyrick Mitchell offered brief hope, but despite a flurry of late pressure, the Eagles were unable to find the net again.
With this draw, Palace must now prepare for the upcoming play-offs, a crucial opportunity that could determine their future in European competition. Fans are left anxiously awaiting the next match, hoping for a turnaround in fortunes.
WHAT’S NEXT: Crystal Palace’s next fixture against Leeds will occur on July 17, 2025, where a decisive victory will be essential to boost their morale ahead of the play-offs.
As the situation develops, Palace’s supporters will be keenly watching how their team adapts to the pressure and the implications of this evening’s results on their European aspirations.
