By Boluwatife Oshadiya
Key Points
- Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate.
- The Eagles reached their first-ever European final.
- Ismaila Sarr scored his ninth goal of the competition.
- Oliver Glasner will leave the club after the final.
- Palace will face Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final.
Crystal Palace advanced to their first-ever European final on Thursday night after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.
Holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, Palace delivered another composed performance at Selhurst Park to complete a memorable victory under manager Oliver Glasner.
The south London club took the lead midway through the first half following a fast-paced attacking move orchestrated by Adam Wharton. Goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk initially denied Wharton’s long-range strike, but Daniel Muñoz’s follow-up effort deflected off Pedro Henrique and into the net for an own goal.
Shakhtar responded through Eguinaldo, who produced a clinical finish into the top corner to level the match on the night.
However, Palace regained control early in the second half when Senegal international Ismaila Sarr converted Tyrick Mitchell’s cross from close range to restore the Eagles’ lead and effectively seal qualification.
The home side continued to create chances throughout the match, with Jean-Philippe Mateta striking the post with an acrobatic effort before Palace comfortably managed the closing stages.
The victory continues a remarkable period for Palace under Glasner, who announced earlier this season that he will leave the club when his contract expires next month.
Since arriving in 2024, the Austrian manager has overseen one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, including their FA Cup triumph against Manchester City and a Community Shield victory over Liverpool.
What’s Being Said
Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson praised the unity within the squad after the historic qualification.
“It’s incredible for this football club. The connection between the players and supporters is unbelievable,” Henderson told TNT Sports.
“The manager came in and made this team believe we can win any game.”
Glasner had earlier stated that his players wanted to “taste the honey again” after lifting the FA Cup last season.
What’s Next
Crystal Palace will face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig on May 27. Victory in the final would secure Palace a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League and mark the first European trophy in the club’s history.
