What does Crystal Palace need to do to advance in the Conference League?

Crystal Palace must win their upcoming two-legged play-off matches in February.

Why is Crystal Palace playing extra European games?

A recent draw against KuPS left them outside automatic qualification, forcing them into a February play-off round.

How many games could Crystal Palace play this season?

The team might play up to 68 matches across all competitions due to their European debut and domestic cup runs.

Home / Sports / Crystal Palace Faces Extra European Games

Crystal Palace Faces Extra European Games

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Crystal Palace faces two additional play-off matches in February.
A draw against KuPS secured a Conference League play-off spot.
The team may play up to 68 matches this season across all competitions.

Crystal Palace Faces Extra European Games

Crystal Palace's inaugural European campaign has been extended, requiring them to navigate an additional two-legged play-off in February for a chance to reach the Conference League's last 16. A 2-2 draw with Finnish champions KuPS on Thursday confirmed their place in this extra round, adding more fixtures to an already demanding schedule.

The intense turnaround between matches saw manager Oliver Glasner field a weakened side against KuPS, prioritizing the upcoming Premier League clash with Leeds United. This comes after a recent run of games with minimal rest, and ahead of a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal next Tuesday.

Having been demoted from the Europa League due to ownership rules and already participating in an earlier Conference League play-off round in August, Palace could potentially play a remarkable 68 matches this season. This rigorous schedule underscores the challenges of competing on multiple fronts in their debut European season.