Crystal Palace’s first home match in a major European competition proper ended in disappointment with a shock Conference League loss to AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park.
The Cypriot Cup winners struck in the 51st minute when Eagles defender Jaydee Canvot gave the ball straight to Marcus Rohden who teed up Riad Bajic to find the net with a powerful finish.
In front of an expectant crowd, Palace had been dominating up to that point and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the crossbar with a bouncing hooked volley from close range in the first half.
The Frenchman also narrowly headed a free-kick wide just before the break and was denied by keeper Zlatan Alomerovic’s stunning save from point-blank range in the 70th minute.
Substitute Eddie Nketiah should have levelled in a late rally from the hosts, but completely missed a loose ball from five yards out.
Palace, who had a strong starting XI, finished on top but were unable to break down Larnaca’s resilient defence as they suffered a first home defeat in all competitions since February.
While Oliver Glasner’s side are 16th in the table on three points, a second win in the competition for the visitors moved them joint top with Fiorentina.