Crystal Palace will face AEK Larnaca again in the UEFA Conference League round of 16 — and this time, the Eagles want revenge. Friday’s draw in Nyon has set up a fascinating rematch between the two sides, reigniting a rivalry that began in the league phase of this historic season.
A Defeat That Still Hurts
The matchday two is not forgotten by palace fans. AEK Larnaca came to Selhurst Park and went away with a breathtaking 1-0 win, thanks to a 51 st goal by Riad Bajic.
It was a painful result. It was also the first ever European home match in the proper continental competition of the south London club.
At this point, the side of Oliver Glasner has an opportunity to be right.
The draw, which was made official by UEFA on Friday 27 February 2026 and later reported by various media including the BBC, Sky Sports and the official Crystal Palace club site, awarded Palace the Cypriot club again. Fate has spoken.
How Palace Got Here
The journey to the last 16 was not an easy one. Palace also ended the phase of the league in the 10th position in the Conference League, which implied that they did not automatically qualify to attend the knockout play-off round, as they had to enter this stage.
They had to go against Bosnian club Zrinjski Mostar in two legs. The second leg at Selhurst Park was a solid 2-0 win which secured a 3-1 aggregate victory. Palace were assured of their spot in the final 16 following a 3-1 aggregate victory over Zrinjski Mostar in the play-off round. Crystal Palace F.C.
Some struggles were not met by AEK Larnaca. Larnaca completed as the eighth in the league stage, collecting 12 points in their games, and it assisted them to make the last 16 automatically.
The Fixtures: Dates and Venue
The initial leg at Selhurst Park will be held on Thursday 12 th March. The second leg would be at AEK Arena the next Thursday 19 th March. Crystal Palace F.C.
Palace will open the first leg – an opportunity to avenge the loss suffered earlier in the season, in their turn, in their own stadium, with their own fans.
Full Draw of Conference League Round of 16.
The following is the appearance of the bracket over the past 16:
- Crystal Palace vs Anyteliko Larnaca.
- Lech Poznaan vs Shakhtar Donetsk.
- AZ Alkmaar vs Sparta Prague
- Fiorentina vs Raków
- Samsungspor vs. Rayo Vallecano.
- Celje vs AEK Athens
- Sigma Olomouc vs Mainz
- Rijeka vs Strasbourg
- Palace’s Path to Leipzig
In case the Eagles win two-legged matches against Larnaca, they will establish a quarter-final match with either Fiorentina who has been a losing finalist in the last two seasons or a Polish club Rakow Czestochowa.
Won that, one faces a semi-finals with one of Lech Poznaan, Shakhtar Donetsk, AZ Alkmaar, or Sparta Prague. The place of French side Strasbourg – who defeated Palace in the league phase on the way to topping the 36-team standings – is a possible final opponent, which will take place in Leipzig on May 27.
That is the dream. Leipzig. A trophy. History made.
Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa Find Out Europa League destinations.
The Premier League competitors of Palace also received news on Friday. Both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest found their last-16 opponent in the Europa League on the UEFA side.
Villa will make a return to French club Lille with whom they have history since they played a quarter final in the 2024 Conference League, Villa winning by penalties. Forest, in the meantime, are meeting Danish club Midtjylland – one more time, as Midtjylland defeated Forest at the City Ground during the league stage.
More importantly, both English clubs fall on the same bracket of Europa League. It would eliminate the possibility of a potential all-English semi-final, but not an all-English final because of this season.
The first legs of the Europa League last-16 will be on March 11 and 12, and the second legs will be on March 18 and 19.
Can Palace Seize the Moment?
Prior to the draw of the last-16, Crystal Palace was the favourite to win the competition amongst the bookmakers.
The position involves pressure – yet it involves faith.
It is unexplored waters to a club that is making its debut in the European knockout football. It is not just a game, the AEK Larnaca tie. It is a statement of intent. It is the opportunity to demonstrate that Palace belong on this level.
The March 12 match at Selhurst Park can hardly arrive in time.
