Jean-Philippe Mateta found the net twice, but Crystal Palace had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Besiktas at the Vodafone Arena, despite the home side playing with ten men.

Mateta nearly opened the scoring early, but his fifth-minute goal was disallowed for offside after VAR review. Besiktas took an unexpected lead just before half-time when Wilfred Ndidi scored with their first shot on target, leaving Palace trailing at the break.

The second half saw a dramatic turnaround:

• In the 51st minute, Yermey Pino equalized for Palace, benefiting from a VAR decision that overturned an initial offside call.
• Just four minutes later, Mateta intercepted a back pass and struck decisively, putting Palace ahead.

However, Junior Olaitan equalized for Besiktas in the 73rd minute, firing a low shot into the corner. The match took a turn when Umit Akdag received a red card for a reckless challenge on Jorgen Strand Larsen, but Besiktas managed to hold on for the draw.

Key moments included:

• 5': Mateta's goal disallowed by VAR.
• 45+1': Ndidi's strike gives Besiktas the lead.
• 51': Pino's goal confirmed by VAR.
• 55': Mateta scores his first goal since last season's UEFA Conference League final.
• 73': Olaitan's equalizer for Besiktas.
• 78': Akdag's red card.

Crystal Palace continues their Europa League campaign, looking to build on this performance.