Crystal Palace 2-2 KuPS: Youngsters impress as Glasner prioritises Premier League schedule

Crystal Palace were held to a 2-2 draw by KuPS at Selhurst Park on Thursday, a result that leaves them 10th in the Conference League group and forces two playoff ties in February. Oliver Glasner, who has repeatedly argued the club faces an unprecedented schedule, rotated heavily again, naming 11 changes from the side that faced Leeds less than 48 hours later.

Four academy products made their first-team debuts: Joel Drakes-Thomas, 16, Dean Benamar, 17, George King, 18, and Kaden Rodney, making only his second senior appearance. Operating in a 3-4-2-1, they settled quickly and looked at home in the first period, with Benamar driving runs from the left and Drakes-Thomas buzzing in the No. 10 role. The youngsters showed encouraging signs, though Glasner said they were not yet used to playing at this level and began cramping after about 60 minutes.

KuPS hit back after the break, scoring twice in three minutes to turn the match. Palace were briefly exposed, and when Benamar limped off after KuPS' second, the test became tougher. Still, the Eagles rallied to claim a late equaliser and finish with something to take from the night, with Uche's early opener a sign of what Palace hope to develop from their fresh-faced talent.

Christantus Uche, a new signing who had started just 103 competitive minutes all season prior to this game, opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a deft finish that caught the eye and drew gasps on the big screen at Selhurst Park. Devenny struck for KuPS in the 76th minute to level, and Palace's young side regrouped to ensure the contest finished 2-2. The result means Palace will now face either Sigma Olomouc of the Czech Republic or Zrinjski Mostar in February as they bid to progress.

"We played a great first half, especially the academy players," Glasner said post-match. "We could see they were not used to playing on this level though as all four were cramping after 60 minutes. But they showed a very good performance and demonstrated they are talents."

Glasner added that the night offered valuable experience for players who will be relied on in the coming weeks, acknowledging the strain of a packed schedule while insisting the point was earned through collective resilience. He also praised Uche for seizing an opportunity, noting his continued impact after a period of limited first-team exposure.

The manager reiterated that January signings could help balance the squad for a stretch that will include a Premier League trip to Leeds on Saturday, followed by a Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal on Tuesday, with two February Conference League playoff ties looming afterward. He defended his decision to prioritise the league match over the KuPS game, arguing that maintaining form in the top flight remains crucial to any European push, and that the club still view the Conference League as a realistic route to success.

Palace will look to build on the night’s positives as they head toward February’s knockout stage, with Glasner hopeful that the academy players who featured against KuPS will be further along in their development when they next pull on the Palace shirt. The clash provided a rare glimpse of a potential future core for the club, even as the broader schedule tests remain across multiple competitions.

Crystal Palace 2-2 KuPS was contested with a mix of youth and experience, and while it produced a share of the spoils, it underlined the balancing act Glasner faces as he tries to sustain Premier League ambitions while also keeping European hopes alive. The path forward remains uncertain, but the night offered a clear signal that Palace’s academy ranks can supply players capable of answering the call when needed, a prospect that will be watched closely during the January transfer window and beyond.