Crystal Palace’s European adventure remains alive, but it has come at a growing cost as fixtures continue to pile up for Oliver Glasner’s side. A frustrating 2–2 draw with Finnish champions KuPS at Selhurst Park has forced the Eagles into an additional two-legged play-off, increasing the physical and logistical demands on a squad already stretched to its limits.
The result left Palace outside the automatic qualification places for the Conference League last 16, meaning two extra European matches in February now stand between them and the knockout phase of Europe’s third-tier competition.
Conference League Draw Forces Extra Play-Off Matches
Palace, competing in major European competition for the first time in their history, finished 10th in the league table and will now contest play-off ties on 19 and 26 February.
Had they secured victory against KuPS, the Eagles would have progressed automatically. Instead, the draw has added to an already intense schedule, with Palace now facing the possibility of playing up to 68 matches across all competitions this season, including the Community Shield.
The fixture congestion comes after Palace were previously demoted from the Europa League into the Conference League due to ownership regulations, a decision that already required them to navigate a play-off round back in August.
“With the demotion, we got the play-offs in August, and with this result we get the play-offs in February,” Glasner said.
“The result is not what we wanted. It’s a game we could easily have won.”
Glasner Rotates as Fixtures Come Thick and Fast
Mindful of the intense schedule, Glasner named a heavily rotated side against KuPS, selecting a mix of fringe players and academy prospects. The decision was influenced by the brutal turnaround Palace faced, with two competitive matches in just 48 hours.
No sooner had the final whistle blown in the Conference League than attention turned to Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United. That match will be followed by a Carabao Cup quarter-final away at Arsenal next Tuesday, leaving Glasner with little room to manoeuvre.
“The only thing I don’t like is that Leeds now know our starting line-up,” Glasner admitted.
“There are only 11 players who didn’t start – and nobody will start both games.”
Youth Players Step Up as Palace Juggle Competitions
Despite missing out on automatic qualification, the atmosphere around Selhurst Park remains positive. Former England defender Joleon Lescott believes Glasner’s willingness to trust young players could prove vital as Palace attempt to balance domestic and European commitments.
Against KuPS, Glasner handed senior debuts to:
- Joel Drakes-Thomas (16)
- Dean Benamar (17)
- George King (18)
The academy trio impressed, showing composure beyond their years and offering hope that Palace’s youth system can help ease the strain of a congested calendar.
“They’ve got Macclesfield away in the FA Cup and play-offs in this competition,” Lescott said on TNT Sports.
“Those games are opportunities to rest experienced players and use the squad.”
Palace begin their FA Cup defence on 10 January against non-league Macclesfield, another fixture that will test squad depth.
Uncertainty Grows Over Glasner’s Future
While Palace’s European hopes remain intact, uncertainty off the pitch continues to linger. Glasner is approaching the final six months of his contract, and the club’s hierarchy are increasingly anxious about the possibility of losing a manager whose reputation has soared.
Contract talks have been ongoing since March, but there is little indication that an agreement is close. The Austrian coach, who guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2021–22, has consistently played down speculation.
“I don’t think one second about my future,” Glasner said before Thursday’s match.
“It’s not important right now.”
Further uncertainty surrounds key players Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, both of whom are attracting interest from other clubs.
Who Could Palace Face in the Play-Offs?
Crystal Palace will learn their Conference League play-off opponents on 16 January.
Because the draw is seeded, Palace will face one of the teams that finished 23rd or 24th, meaning a potential clash with:
- Sigma Olomouc (Czech Republic)
- Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
As the seeded side, Palace will host the second leg at Selhurst Park — a significant advantage as they aim to progress.
Can Palace Go All the Way in Europe?
It may be too early for Palace supporters to dream of the Conference League final at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena on 27 May, but the pathway remains open.
To lift the trophy, Palace would still need to navigate nine more matches, becoming just the third English club to win the competition after:
- West Ham (2022–23)
- Chelsea (2024–25)
Since its launch in 2021–22, the Conference League has also been won by Roma and Olympiakos, with Leicester City and Aston Villa reaching semi-finals in previous campaigns.
For Glasner, the emotional value of success outweighs financial rewards.
“We have Crystal Palace supporters for 60 years who never saw us win anything,” he said recently.
“It’s not about the money — it’s about emotions. These moments stay forever.”
With Palace still alive in Europe and juggling multiple competitions, the coming months promise to define both the club’s season and potentially Glasner’s legacy in south London.
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