Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal since last season's UEFA Conference League final, but Crystal Palace had to settle for a 2-2 draw away at 10-man Besiktas in Istanbul.
Mateta thought he had opened the scoring in the fifth minute, only for VAR to rule the striker marginally offside. Besiktas took the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time when Wilfred Ndidi rifled in with their first shot on target.
Palace equalised six minutes after the restart when Yermey Pino swept in Anan Khalaili's cutback. The flag went up for offside, but VAR intervened in Palace's favour. Four minutes later, Mateta intercepted a loose back pass, strode into the area and smashed home into the roof of the net.
Besiktas were level again in the 73rd minute when substitute Junior Olaitan drove a low, hard shot into the corner. Umit Akdag was then sent off for a two-footed lunge on Jorgen Strand Larsen, who went off injured late on as Besiktas held on for the draw.
Palace boss Pierre Sage admitted he was frustrated with the result. "They gave a lot this evening and I think they deserve better," he said, pointing to a lapse in concentration at the end of the first half that cost his side dearly.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing