Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca: A Crucial UEFA Conference League Clash

By Vikram Nair / 13.03.2026

A Huge Night at Selhurst Park

“A huge night at Selhurst Park is here,” declared Crystal Palace F.C., as they prepare to face AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16. This match, set to kick off at 1:30 a.m. IST on March 13, 2026, marks a significant moment for the Eagles, who are looking to turn the tide after a disappointing start to their European campaign.

Crystal Palace lost 1-0 to AEK Larnaca in their first-ever European match at Selhurst Park five months ago. The defeat left a mark on the team, and they will be eager to avenge that loss in front of their home crowd. Palace’s previous encounter with Larnaca ended in a 0-0 draw, indicating a tightly contested matchup that could go either way.

Team Performances and League Standings

In the league phase of the UEFA Conference League, Crystal Palace finished 10th with a record of three wins, one draw, and two losses. Their performance has been a mixed bag, but they have shown resilience in their home fixtures. Conversely, AEK Larnaca finished third in their league phase, boasting four wins and just one loss. Their strong showing has set the stage for a competitive clash.

“Palace’s home record in Europe has been encouraging, though their lone setback came against Thursday’s visitors, AEK Larnaca,” noted analysts, highlighting the importance of home advantage in this fixture. The Eagles will need to capitalize on their home support to overcome the formidable Larnaca side.

Defensive Strength of AEK Larnaca

AEK Larnaca has demonstrated remarkable defensive capabilities in the tournament, having conceded only one goal in six matches this season. This statistic underscores the challenge Crystal Palace will face as they attempt to break through Larnaca’s solid backline. The visitors will likely rely on their defensive strength to secure a favorable result.

As the match approaches, fans in the UK can catch the action live on TNT Sports UK, while viewers in India can watch via SonyLIV and Sony Sports Network. In the USA, the match will be available on Paramount+, DAZN, and TUDN, ensuring that supporters across the globe can follow this pivotal encounter.

Looking Ahead

The second leg of the Round of 16 is scheduled for March 19, 2026, adding further intrigue to this matchup. Both teams will be keen to set the tone in the first leg, with the outcome potentially influencing their strategies for the return fixture. The final of the UEFA Conference League is set for May 27, 2026, at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, making every match in this knockout stage crucial for both sides.

As Crystal Palace gears up for this important clash, they will hope to avenge their previous defeat against Larnaca and make a statement in the UEFA Conference League. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team in pursuit of European glory.