In what was closer to something expected of one of Allardyce's teams, the rejuvenated Townsend's pace and footwork created space on the left wing to cross to Benteke and the striker leapt highest, over Yohan Benalouane, to head in towards the back post.
A point gained or two lost?
Palace manager Sam Allardyce was relieved his side avoided defeat having been so impressive in beating Arsenal 3-0 last Monday, although he was frustrated at the way they conceded the opening goal following Christian Fuchs' long throw.
"When you finish a game with a point having been 2-0 down, you have to be incredibly satisfied", he added.
The pace and trickery of Wilfried Zaha and Townsend tested Leicester's resolute defence under Shakespeare, while Mahrez, Vardy and the excellent Marc Albrighton were able to do the same to Allardyce's organised Eagles.
And Shakespeare is expecting a hard game against the Eagles, adding that both sides are in need of a positive result, being separated by just two points in the bottom half of the table.
With little time to recover in between the two ties, Foxes boss Shakespeare is aware two of the biggest matches in his club's history have overshadowed the Palace game, which provides a chance to effectively guarantee Premier League safety.
There was still more to come from the home side and Benteke brought them level in the 70th minute, beating his man to the ball after Townsend's cross from the left before heading home from the edge of the six-yard box.
"Offensively, Crystal Palace are a major threat".
With Huth in fine form, that tactic would have been futile but for Benteke, whose physical presence finally won out. The Belgian met Andros Townend's cross from the left-hand side, powering a header past Kasper Schmeichel after outjumping Yohan Benalouane.
Improved Spurs keep up chase for EPL title
I think today it's not important the gap we have with Arsenal."The most important thing is to do our job, try to win games and try to reduce the gap with Chelsea".
"I have seen fouls given in oher games for what happened with Benteke goal, but there is nothing we can do about it now".
Sam Allardyce paid tribute to his Crystal Palace players after they battled back to earn a "precious point" against Leicester on Saturday.
"We'll get it looked at".
"I spent a bit of time boring the players with getting the basics right, but it is the basis of result".
Leicester seemed to be heading for a sixth league win in seven games under manager Craig Shakespeare when Vardy doubled the advantage with a brilliant goal in the 52nd minute.
"We're expecting a hard game".
Leicester have taken more points under Shakespeare in his three Premier League away games (four) than in the previous 13 managed by Ranieri (three).
Jamie Vardy has scored five goals in his last six league appearances.
Palace travel to Liverpool on Sunday, 23 April (16:30 BST), before another tough encounter, hosting Tottenham on Wednesday, 26 April (20:00 BST).
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