Mateta scores on return to starting lineup as Palace draw 2-2 at Besiktas

Crystal Palace drew 2-2 away to Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring on his first start since the opening day. Palace overturned a half-time deficit through Yeremy Pino and Mateta, but Junior Olaitan's equaliser denied them victory before the hosts were reduced to 10 men in Istanbul.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej77-RS_WxQ

Rachel Steinberg's report, carried by Yahoo Sports, described a Palace side seeking a response to Sunday's 5-0 defeat at Brighton. Mateta had an early finish ruled out for offside following a video review. He later tested Alexander Nubel from an Adam Wharton corner, but Wilfred Ndidi scored in first-half stoppage time to send Besiktas into the interval ahead.

Pino equalised in the 51st minute after Anan Khalaili supplied a low delivery. According to Sky Sports, the assistant's flag initially denied Palace the goal before a VAR review reversed that decision. Four minutes later, Mateta intercepted a misplaced back pass, advanced into the penalty area and struck high into the net to put the visitors in front.

The lead lasted until the 73rd minute, when substitute Olaitan drove a low shot into the corner. Besiktas then lost Umit Akdag after his challenge on Jorgen Strand Larsen. Palace were left with a numerical advantage for the closing stages, but the home side prevented them from finding a third goal and reclaimed a share of the points.

Strand Larsen, who had replaced Mateta shortly after the hour, was later forced off himself. Steinberg reported that the striker left the field in pain with support from a staff member. Eddie Nketiah came on in his place and sent an effort into the side-netting from a difficult angle as Palace pursued a late winner.

Palace manager Pierre Sage told TNT Sports he was encouraged by the performance but frustrated for his players, Sky Sports reported. He pointed to lapses in concentration before both Besiktas goals and said small mistakes had been punished. Sage nevertheless regarded the display as an improvement on the Brighton defeat, with Newcastle next on Palace's domestic schedule.