Crystal Palace to Face AEK Larnaca in Conference League Round of 16
London, UK – February 27, 2026 – Crystal Palace will take on Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Conference League, following today’s draw. The Eagles advanced to this stage after defeating HSK Zrinjski Mostar 2-0 on aggregate. The draw, held today, also mapped out potential opponents for Palace should they progress further in the competition, including Fiorentina, AZ Alkmaar, Shakhtar Donetsk, or Sparta Prague. The first leg of the Round of 16 tie will be played on March 12th, with the second leg on March 19th.
Crystal Palace Set for European Challenge: Conference League Last 16 Draw Looms
Crystal Palace is preparing for a pivotal moment in their European journey as the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 draw approaches.
Eagles Await Opponent: Mainz or Larnaca?
The Eagles have successfully navigated their way into the knockout stages of the Conference League, marking a significant achievement for the club.
They will face either German side Mainz 05 or Cypriot team AEK Larnaca in the next round, with the exact opponent to be determined by tomorrow’s draw.
Interestingly, Crystal Palace has already encountered both potential opponents this season, having played Mainz in pre-season and Larnaca earlier in the competition.
Draw Details and How to Watch
The draw is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 26th, at 13:00 GMT.
Football fans can watch the draw live on UEFA.com, UEFA.tv and the official UEFA Conference League app.
Crystal Palace promises instant coverage of the draw results on their official club channels, with notifications available through their official app.
What to Expect in the Round of 16
From the Round of 16 onwards, the Conference League adopts a two-legged, home-and-away knockout format, mirroring other major European tournaments.
The draw will not only determine Crystal Palace’s Round of 16 opponent but will also map out the brackets for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.
Did you realize? Crystal Palace reached the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 in their inaugural European knockout tie.
Potential Path to Glory: Analyzing the Competition
The Conference League presents a unique opportunity for clubs like Crystal Palace to compete on a European stage and potentially secure a coveted spot in future Champions League or Europa League competitions.
While the competition may not have the same prestige as the Champions League, it offers valuable experience and exposure for players and clubs alike.
Recent form suggests Crystal Palace is among the favorites to advance, with some observers noting Fiorentina’s struggles this season.
FAQ
- When is the Conference League Round of 16 draw? The draw takes place on Friday, February 26th, at 13:00 GMT.
- Where can I watch the draw? You can watch it live on UEFA.com, UEFA.tv, and the official UEFA Conference League app.
- Who could Crystal Palace face? They will face either Mainz 05 or AEK Larnaca.
Pro Tip: Download the official Crystal Palace app to receive instant fixture updates and notifications.
Stay tuned to 247sports.new for continued coverage of Crystal Palace’s European campaign and expert analysis of the Conference League draw.
What are your predictions for Crystal Palace’s run in the Conference League? Share your thoughts in the comments below!