AEK Larnaca earned a landmark 1-0 victory over Premier League side Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a result that keeps the Cypriot club unbeaten and cements a perfect start in the Conference League league phase. Riad Bajic settled the match with a precise finish six minutes into the second half, capping a disciplined away performance and sending the visiting support into celebration.
AEK absorbed long spells of pressure and punished a defensive error before shutting the game down with compact lines and smart game management. Palace dominated the ball and produced a flurry of efforts, but registered only one shot on target from 15 attempts and struck the crossbar through Jean-Philippe Mateta late in the first half. Manager Oliver Glasner called the defeat "a necessary humbling" after the club’s first European home night, noting that his side must be more clinical and cut out costly mistakes.
For AEK, the numbers tell the story of a mature European display. One big chance created, one taken, a clean sheet away to a top-flight English club, and two wins from two in the league phase. The result marks one of the most notable European away victories in the club’s history and places AEK among the early pacesetters on points.
What they said after the final whistle also underscored the moment. Palace captain Marc Guéhi spoke of the need to stay calm in frustration and learn quickly from the setback, while English media described AEK’s approach as resilient, organized and effective on the break.
Earlier on Thursday, Omonoia drew 1–1 away to Drita in Pristina. The hosts led in the 12th minute through a header from Arb Manaj before Omonoia levelled at the end of the first half with a header from Masouras after an Evandro corner. The point was Omonoia’s first of the campaign, while Drita moved to two.
AEK now turn their attention to maintaining momentum in the remaining league-phase fixtures, having shown in London that they can convert efficiency and defensive structure into statement results on the continental stage.
Source: Gipedo, ESPN.com