Conference League
Crystal Palace draws 2-2 with 10-man KuPS in Conference League
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Crystal Palace rescued a 2-2 draw against 10-man KuPS on the final day of the Conference League group stage, securing a playoff spot but missing automatic qualification to the last 16. Christantus Uche gave the hosts an early lead at Selhurst Park, but KuPS fought back after the break before Clinton Antwi's red card allowed Justin Devenny to equalize. Both teams now advance to a two-legged playoff for a round-of-16 place.
Rayo Vallecano defeated Kosovo's Drita 3-0 at Vallecas Stadium, securing a historic direct qualification to the Conference League round of 16 with goals from Florian Lejeune, Gerard Gumbau, and Luis Alfonso Pacha Espino. The Madrid side finished fifth in the league phase with 13 points, bypassing the playoff and ensuring home advantage in the return leg. The win, in a festive atmosphere, recalls the 2000/2001 UEFA Cup memories.
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FSV Mainz 05 has reached the round of 16 in an international competition for the first time in club history with a 2-0 win over Samsunspor. Goals came from captain Silvan Widmer and Nadiem Amiri, as coach Urs Fischer enjoyed a successful home debut. Despite languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga, the achievement marks a historic milestone.