Crystal Palace stopped a run of two consecutive defeats by drawing 2-2 with Besiktas in a Europa League match played in Istanbul. Jean-Philippe Mateta, back from a hamstring issue, found the net for the first time since a European final. The result offers a brief respite for a side that sits 14th in the Premier League with just seven points from seven games, having recorded two wins, one draw and four defeats.
Besiktas took the lead during added time at the end of the first half through Wilfred Ndidi. The English club replied soon after halftime, with Yeremy Pino scoring from a delivery by Anan Khalaili. Mateta then gave Palace the lead shortly afterwards with a precise finish.
The home side equalized in the second half through Junior Olaitan. Besiktas then had a player dismissed for a dangerous challenge, but Palace could not capitalize on having an extra player to secure a victory.
Mateta, starting for the first time since his injury, described his goal as a demonstration of perseverance. "After the dark the eagle rises," he said.
The result interrupts a tough period for Palace, who are in the bottom half of the Premier League. Their recent performances have yielded mixed results, with their form over the last five league and cup games reading one win, one draw and three defeats. They suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat away to Brighton in their previous match before this draw, a game which followed a 3-2 loss to Lyon and a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Focus now shifts back to league football. Defensive issues persist for Palace, who have let in many league goals this campaign, having conceded 17 times while scoring only nine for a goal difference of minus eight. Improvement will be required for their next fixture as they look to close a significant 14-point gap to the league leaders.
The report in full is at Sky Sports Football
