Crystal Palace’s winless run at Selhurst Park continued as they were held to a 2–2 draw by 10-man KuPS, a result that saw the Eagles miss out on a top-eight finish in the UEFA Europa Conference League league phase.

Despite making 11 changes to their starting line-up and handing senior debuts to three academy graduates, Palace made a fast start and needed just five minutes to open the scoring. Experience told as Justin Devenny slipped a pass into Christantus Uche, who curled a superb finish into the top corner from the edge of the box using the outside of his right foot.

The hosts pushed for a second before the break. Romain Esse saw a deflected effort flash narrowly wide, while 16-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas, an impressive presence on his first senior outing, fired just off target from distance. Palace were largely untroubled defensively in the first half, with KuPS failing to register a single shot.

The second half, however, told a very different story. Just five minutes after the restart, KuPS scored their first away goal of the UECL campaign when Saku Savolainen squared for Piotr Parzyszek, who finished calmly to silence Selhurst Park.

Moments later, the visitors stunned Palace again. From a corner, Clinton Antwi’s speculative effort was turned home by Ibrahim Cisse to put KuPS ahead. The same duo involved in the equaliser combined again before the hour mark, with Parzyszek tapping in Savolainen’s cross at the back post, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

KuPS’ momentum was halted when Antwi was shown a red card for a reckless lunge on substitute Will Hughes. Palace quickly took advantage of the extra man, as another substitute, Tyrick Mitchell, delivered a cross for Devenny to head in his first European goal and restore parity.

Drakes-Thomas continued to threaten late on, but his effort from the edge of the area was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl.

The draw meant both sides must now navigate the play-offs. While Palace were left frustrated by the missed opportunity of a top-eight finish, KuPS will be the happier of the two, having begun the matchday outside the top 24.