Wilfred Ndidi gave the Turkish hosts the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Yéremy Pino equalised six minutes after the break before Jean-Philippe Mateta put Palace ahead four minutes later. Junior Olaitan restored parity in the 73rd minute, denying Pierre Sage’s side a victory their coach felt their efforts merited.
Sage was pleased with the performance but frustrated that his players had twice allowed Besiktas back into the match.
“I am satisfied with the performance,” Sage told TNT Sports after the game. “A little bit frustrated for the lads, because they gave a lot this evening and I think they deserve better.
“We lacked concentration in the final minute of the first-half, at the end. It was the same thing when we were 2-1 up.
“In this kind of situation, you pay quickly if you make a little mistake.
“But we have to remind ourselves the situation was worse before the game. It's a good step to go forward and now we need to win against Newcastle [on Sunday].”
Mateta’s goal was a particularly welcome moment for the striker, who returned to the team and produced a powerful finish to give Palace the lead. Sage was pleased to see him back on the scoresheet, while acknowledging that the forward was not yet ready to play the full match.
“I'm really happy for him,” Sage added. “He was in a good area, it was a good moment for him just before coming off, because he was not really ready to play [a full 90 minutes].
“You see him tired, but when you have this mindset, when you want to play every ball and you give your life on the pitch, sometimes it's good for you.”
The Crystal Palace manager also highlighted the collective work that had helped his team overturn the deficit. Their willingness to press and attack gave them the opportunity to take the lead, although they could not protect it until the final whistle.
“We have a lot of satisfactions with the individual performances. But I have to underline that, first of all, it's about the collective performance.
“They're willing to play, they're willing to go forward, they're willing to press. And I think at the end, they made a good game, without the deserved result.”
Besiktas were reduced to ten men when Ümit Akdağ was sent off late in the match, but Palace could not find a winner. Sage’s side now turn their attention to Newcastle, hoping to convert an encouraging display into three points.