Palace fans will have left Selhurst Park with a strong sense of deja vu.
This is the second time Oliver Glasner’s side have failed to get the better of Larnaca in Conference League this season.
Even with new Spanish manager Javier Rozada at the helm, the visitors once again frustrated Palace by deploying a resolute five-man defence.
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It might have been a different story on the night had Mateta been fit enough to start.
His 15-minute cameo was his first appearance since January and was met with a mixed reception from the home crowd.
But had the Frenchman managed to connect with Guessand’s cross to score what would have been the only goal of the game, it is fair to say even the most disgruntled fans might have forgiven him for trying to leave the club two months ago.
After a blunt attacking display, the return of last season’s top scorer – whether fully embraced by Palace’s supporters or not – could prove crucial before next week’s second leg in Cyprus.
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