Everton’s hopes of qualifying for Europe were dealt a huge blow after Jean-Philippe Mateta came off the bench to rescue Crystal Palace a point in a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner’s side were on a high after booking their place in the Conference League final on Thursday and were determined not to allow the mood in south London to sour despite falling behind twice.
Beto scored what for much of the second half looked like being the winner for Everton, a wonderful individual effort combining power and deftness of touch with the ball at his feet to finish beyond Dean Henderson.
Victory would have moved the visitors onto 51 points, level with Brentford in eighth and two points off the last guaranteed European qualification berth.
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Beto’s goal came after a hugely open first half had finished level, James Tarkowski tapping David Moyes’ side into the lead from an early corner before Ismaila Sarr thumped Palace level following a botched attempt by Michael Keane to clear.
Everton, though, could not hold on. Palace’s pressure increased, and in the 76th minute Mateta was on the spot to finish from Tyrick Mitchell’s pass to keep spirits high ahead of their date with Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27.