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Crystal Palace earned a point from their trip to Besiktas in a thrilling 2-2 draw in the third round of the Europa League, marking the first time the Turkish side have dropped points in the competition.
Visiting manager Pierre Sage came into the tie under scrutiny following Palace's heavy 5-0 defeat to Brighton a few days ago. However, his team produced a vastly improved display to secure a valuable point in a hostile environment. The Eagles started brightly against a side featuring nine changes from their weekend loss to Trabzonspor. Jean-Philippe Mateta had the ball in the net in the sixth minute after a slick team move, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Besiktas broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half-time when Salih Ozcan slipped Wilfred Ndidi in behind the defence, and the former Leeds midfielder made no mistake with the finish. The Londoners responded well after the interval and found an equaliser in the 51st minute, with Yeremy Pino converting a cross from Anan Khalaili. The goal was initially flagged for offside, but VAR intervened to overturn the on-field decision.
Just four minutes later, Mateta opened his account for the season, pouncing on a defensive mix-up to score from a tight angle. Junior Olaitan drew the hosts level at 2-2 in the 73rd minute, but Besiktas' hopes of a late winner were dashed shortly after when Umit Akdag was sent off for a reckless challenge on Jorgen Strand Larsen.
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