Crystal Palace’s demanding schedule has become even tougher after they were forced into a Conference League play-off following a frustrating 2-2 draw with Finnish champions KuPS at Selhurst Park.
The result left the Eagles 10th in the league phase, just outside the automatic qualification places for the last 16 of Europe’s third-tier competition.
As a consequence, Palace must now contest a two-legged play-off on 19 and 26 February to keep their European debut campaign alive.
Manager Oliver Glasner fielded a heavily rotated side against KuPS, packed with squad players and academy prospects, mindful of the intense turnaround.
Almost immediately after the final whistle, attention shifted to Saturday’s Premier League clash away at Leeds United, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal following next week.
Palace, who were moved from the Europa League into the Conference League due to ownership regulations, now face the prospect of an exhausting campaign.
Should they progress deep into all competitions, their season could stretch to as many as 68 matches, including the Community Shield.
“With the demotion, we had play-offs in August and now again in February,” Glasner said.
“It’s not the outcome we wanted. We could have won the game. What I don’t like is that Leeds already know who won’t play, because nobody will start both matches.”
Despite missing out on automatic qualification, optimism remains around the club.
Palace begin their FA Cup defence at non-league Macclesfield in January, and former England defender Joleon Lescott believes the depth shown against KuPS could prove vital.
Glasner handed senior debuts to teenagers Joel Drakes-Thomas (16), Dean Benamar (17) and George King (18), all of whom impressed on a big stage.
Their emergence offers hope that Palace can rotate effectively as the schedule intensifies.
However, uncertainty lingers behind the scenes.
Glasner is entering the final six months of his contract, with negotiations ongoing but no agreement in sight.
The Austrian has repeatedly played down speculation, insisting his focus remains solely on the team.
There are also concerns over the futures of key players Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, both of whom continue to attract interest from rival clubs.
Palace will learn their play-off opponents on 16 January.
As a seeded side, they will face one of the teams finishing 23rd or 24th, likely Czech side Sigma Olomouc or Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Zrinjski Mostar, with the second leg to be played at Selhurst Park.
While talk of a final in Leipzig on 27 May may feel premature, Palace remain firmly in contention.
Nine more matches stand between them and potential European glory in a competition previously won by Roma, West Ham, Olympiakos and Chelsea.
“We have supporters who waited 60 years to see us win something,” Glasner said recently.
“These moments stay forever.”
With Palace still alive on the continental stage, the question now is whether Glasner and his squad can turn heavy demands into another unforgettable chapter in the club’s history.
