When Oliver Glasner, manager of Crystal Palace Football Club saw his side fall 1‑0 to AEK Larnaca FC at Selhurst Park on 23 October 2025, the first loss of a 17‑game unbeaten streak, the decisive strike coming from Riad Bajic in the 51st minute. The night also saw 18‑year‑old French defensive midfielder Romain Esse, who had just been praised by Luke Seychell for a 100 percent duel‑win record, earn a fleeting cameo in the 87th minute. Crystal Palace defeat sparked a swirl of questions about squad rotation, the manager’s faith in youth and whether the Eagles can bounce back before the next group‑stage fixture.

Background to the European Night

Selhurst Park, the 101‑year‑old home of the Eagles, was bathed in floodlights for the first time in a major European competition. After a solid 2‑0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in Poland earlier in October, Palace had arrived in London brimming with confidence. The club’s run to the Conference League proper had involved a dramatic play‑off win against Fredrikstad back in August, a result still celebrated in the stands.

Key Facts

• Date: 23 October 2025
• Venue: Selhurst Park, London
• Result: AEK Larnaca FC 1‑0 Crystal Palace Football Club
• Goal scorer: Riad Bajic (51′)
• Man of the match (according to Sofascore): Mikael Rohdén (7.1 rating)

Match Overview and Decisive Moments

Crystal Palace dominated possession in the opening half, chalking up 58 % according to Sofascore. The most thrilling glimpse came when Jean‑Philippe Mateta thumped a shot against the crossbar in the 42nd minute – a moment that could have turned the tide.

Instead, a defensive slip in the 51st minute allowed AEK’s forward Riad Bajic to burst into the box and fire a low‑driven finish past goalkeeper Jack Butland. The goal was enough; Palace never found the equaliser despite a flurry of chances, including a header by Eberechi Eze that rattled the frame.

Romain Esse's Emerging Role

Prior to the game, Luke Seychell highlightedEsse’s perfect duel‑win percentage from his previous outing on his "Luke Talks Palace" podcast (22 September 2025). He argued that the young midfielder could plug the defensive holes that AEK exploited.

Glasner had publicly demanded “100 % effort” from every squad member on 22 October, a statement echoed by beIN Sports. Yet the same day he confirmed that both Justin Devenny and Eddie Nketiah would feature prominently, leaving Esse on the bench.

When the clock hit the 87th minute, Romain Esse finally entered, replacing Chidera Uzo‑Dirk Eze. He won three of his four duels in the brief spell, illustrating why his name was buzzing among supporters.

Reactions from the Bench and Management

Post‑match, Glasner admitted the loss was “painful” but insisted the squad had given their all. In a brief press conference, he praised Ess​e’s composure, hinting that the youngster could see more minutes if Palace fail to tighten at the back.

GiveMeSport reported that the manager’s comments also addressed the “young talent dilemma” – balancing immediate results with nurturing future stars.

Fans, however, were less forgiving. The tifo bearing a cheeky “boys who will win your little game” turned into a meme overnight, underscoring the disappointment that lingered after the defeat.

What the Defeat Means for Palace

The loss snapped a 17‑game unbeaten run that had started after a 2‑0 victory over West Ham United on 14 September 2025. It also dropped Palace to second place in their Conference League group, meaning a must‑win in the upcoming away fixture against KAA Gent.

Statistically, Palace’s defensive errors rose from an average of 0.8 per game to 1.5 in this contest, according to Opta. The two yellow cards – to Jean‑Philippe Mateta and AEK’s P. Pons – highlighted a match that grew increasingly tense.

Looking Ahead

Glasner’s next challenge will be to decide whether to start Esse in the upcoming league round or keep him as a late‑game option. The training ground buzz suggests a possible shift – the defensive midfielder’s duel‑winning record can’t be ignored.

Meanwhile, AEK Larnaca celebrate a historic first Conference League win on English soil. Their manager, Marios Mitrakos, praised his side’s discipline and said the result “shows Cypriot football can compete on the European stage.”

Broader Implications for English Clubs in Europe

The match illustrates a growing narrative: English clubs are no longer guaranteed dominance in early‑stage European ties. Tactical flexibility, youth integration and defensive solidity will be the currencies of success.

For Palace fans, the night was a bitter reminder that hype can turn to heartbreak in a single second. Yet the emergence of Romain Esse offers a glimmer of optimism – a young French talent who might just become the defensive anchor the Eagles need.