RismadarVoice Reporters,May 8, 2026
Crystal Palace booked their place in a first-ever European final on Thursday after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at Selhurst Park to complete a commanding 5-2 aggregate victory in the UEFA Conference League semi-final.
The historic triumph keeps alive the dream of a fairytale ending for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season following an impressive spell in charge.
Holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, the Eagles extended their lead midway through the opening half when a dangerous attack led to an own goal by Pedro Henrique. Daniel Munoz’s effort from a tight angle deflected off the defender and past goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to send the home crowd into celebration.
Shakhtar briefly responded through Eguinaldo, whose composed finish into the top corner levelled the score on the night and offered the visitors a glimmer of hope.
However, Palace quickly regained control after the break. Senegalese forward Ismaila Sarr continued his outstanding European campaign by converting Tyrick Mitchell’s cross from close range early in the second half. The goal, Sarr’s ninth of the competition, effectively ended the contest as the London club comfortably managed the remainder of the match.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson praised the impact of Glasner after the final whistle.
“It’s incredible for this football club. You can see the connection between the players and supporters, it’s unbelievable,” Henderson told TNT Sports.
“The manager came in and made this team believe we can win any game. It’s been a difficult season with the number of matches we’ve played, but reaching another final is fantastic.”
Palace had several opportunities to increase their advantage, with Jean-Philippe Mateta striking the post with an audacious scissor-kick shortly before halftime as the home side continued to dominate proceedings.
The Eagles will now face Rayo Vallecano in the final in Leipzig on May 27 after the Spanish side eliminated Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
The match will mark Glasner’s final game in charge of Palace after the Austrian announced earlier this season that he would depart when his contract expires next month.
Since arriving in 2024, the 51-year-old has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Last season, Palace secured their first major trophy by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final before adding the Community Shield with a penalty shootout victory over Liverpool.
The Conference League represents another remarkable chapter for the south London side, who were originally demoted from the Europa League before the season began after UEFA ruled the club had breached multi-club ownership regulations.
Victory in Leipzig would not only secure Palace’s first European trophy but also guarantee qualification for next season’s Europa League.
Glasner, who guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, said before the match that his players were eager to taste success once again after last year’s FA Cup triumph.
Now, Crystal Palace is one win away from writing the greatest chapter in the club’s history.
