Besiktas 2-2 Crystal Palace finished level in Istanbul on Thursday night after the Eagles let a second-half lead slip. Wilfred Ndidi gave the Turkish side a half-time lead, Yeremy Pino and Jean-Philippe Mateta turned the game around within four minutes of the restart, but substitute Junior Olaitan equalised on 73 minutes. Besiktas then had Ümit Akdağ sent off, yet Palace could not find a winner against ten men.
It is a point that stops the rot after a heavy derby defeat at the weekend, but Pierre Sage will feel his side let two points slip away.
Besiktas 2-2 Crystal Palace: Key Facts
- Result: Besiktas 2-2 Crystal Palace
- Competition: UEFA Europa League, league phase, Matchday 3
- Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
- Kick-off: 10:00pm EAT
- Venue: Tüpraş Stadium, Istanbul
- Scorers: Ndidi 45+2′, Olaitan 73′ (Besiktas); Pino 51′, Mateta 55′ (Palace)
- Red card: Ümit Akdağ (Besiktas), 77′
- Palace Europa League record: W 4-0 vs Lech Poznań, L 2-3 at Lyon, D 2-2 at Besiktas
How the Match Unfolded
Palace thought they had made a dream start when Mateta found the net early on, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. That set the tone for a cagey first half in which Besiktas had more of the ball without creating a great deal.
The breakthrough came at the worst possible time for the visitors. Deep in first-half stoppage time, Ndidi got in behind the Palace defence and finished to send the home crowd into half-time in full voice.
Palace responded brilliantly after the break. Six minutes into the second half, Anan Khalaili pulled the ball back for Pino, who swept it home. The assistant referee raised his flag for offside, but VAR overturned the decision and the goal stood. Four minutes later the Eagles were in front. A short back pass was intercepted by Mateta, who ran into the box and finished powerfully for 2-1.
Besiktas kept pushing, and their pressure told on 73 minutes. Olaitan, on as a substitute, beat his man on the edge of the area and fired low into the corner to make it 2-2.
Moments later the home side were down to ten. Akdağ, already on a yellow card, went in hard on Jørgen Strand Larsen and was sent off with 13 minutes left. Palace had the extra man for the closing stages but rarely threatened, and the Norwegian striker was later forced off injured, with Eddie Nketiah replacing him.
Besiktas 2-2 Crystal Palace: Talking Points
A reaction after the Brighton thrashing
Palace arrived in Turkey after a painful 5-0 defeat at Brighton in the M23 derby. Read our report on Brighton 5-0 Crystal Palace for the full story. Coming from behind away from home in one of Europe’s loudest stadiums shows there is still spirit in this squad, and Sage will take encouragement from the way his side started the second half.
Mateta back among the goals
Mateta’s goal was a classic striker’s finish, reading a sloppy pass and punishing it without hesitation. It was reported to be his first goal since last season’s Conference League final, so this could be a big moment for his confidence.
Strand Larsen injury is a worry
The big concern from Istanbul is Strand Larsen. He was the player fouled for the red card and left the field late on. Palace have not yet given an update on his condition, so keep an eye on the team news ahead of Sunday.
Missed chance against ten men
Palace had more than ten minutes against ten men but could not create a clear chance. In a 36-team league phase where every point matters, that could prove costly.
Where Does This Leave Palace in the Europa League?
The draw takes Palace to four points from three games after a big home win over Lech Poznań and a 3-2 defeat in France. Our report on Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace covers that defeat. Besiktas move on to seven points, having won their first two games against Marseille and Hoffenheim.
With five games left in the league phase, Palace are well placed to reach at least the play-off round, but they will need more wins to push for a top-eight finish. You can follow the latest standings on the official UEFA Europa League website.
What Next for Crystal Palace?
Palace return to Premier League action at home to Newcastle United on Sunday. Our Crystal Palace vs Newcastle prediction has the latest form guide and tips for that game. For every fixture this weekend, visit our football predictions page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in Besiktas vs Crystal Palace?
Besiktas and Crystal Palace drew 2-2 in the Europa League in Istanbul on Thursday 22 October 2026.
Who scored for Crystal Palace against Besiktas?
Yeremy Pino and Jean-Philippe Mateta scored for Palace early in the second half.
Who was sent off in Besiktas vs Crystal Palace?
Besiktas defender Ümit Akdağ was sent off on 77 minutes after a heavy challenge on Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Who do Crystal Palace play next?
Crystal Palace host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday 25 October 2026.
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Featured image: Photo by Beşiktaş JK via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
