One Foot in the Final
Crystal Palace go into Thursday night's second leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg — and the unmistakable air of a club that knows exactly what it is doing in European competition. The win away in Ukraine was extraordinary, not just in its margin but in the manner of it. Oliver Glasner's side were quick, clinical, and composed in exactly the moments that mattered most.
Ismaila Sarr scored inside the first 21 seconds — the joint-fastest goal in Conference League history — setting the tone for an evening that showcased exactly why Palace have been one of the most compelling teams in English football this season. Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen added further goals to establish the lead that the Eagles bring back to south London.
The Second Leg at Selhurst Park
Palace will host the return fixture at Selhurst Park on Thursday, with a place in the Conference League final in Leipzig on May 27 at stake. On paper, a 3-1 lead should be enough. In practice, European football has a habit of delivering the unexpected, and Shakhtar managed to pull one back through Oleh Ocheretko in the first leg — a reminder that the tie is not yet over.
Glasner, who has won the Europa League before and knows European knockout football intimately, will not allow his players to approach the second leg as a formality. Palace's form at Selhurst Park in Europe has been strong, and the atmosphere on Thursday night promises to be electric. The possibility of a European final appearance — Palace's first ever — is close enough to touch.
A Final Chapter for Glasner
There is an added emotional dimension to this run. Oliver Glasner is out of contract at the end of the season, and Goal.com reports that Crystal Palace have decided not to renew his deal. He will leave in the summer. If he can guide the club to a Conference League final — and perhaps beyond — it would be the perfect farewell to a manager who has transformed this club beyond recognition since his arrival.
Palace reached their first major cup final under Glasner last season, winning the FA Cup at Wembley. A European final would complete one of the most remarkable two-year tenures in Premier League managerial history. The second leg kicks off at Selhurst Park on Thursday at 21:00 BST. The city of south London will be watching.
Match preview: Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk | UEFA Conference League Semi-Final 2nd Leg | Selhurst Park | Thursday 7 May 2026, 21:00 BST | Palace lead 3-1 on aggregate | Conference League Final: Leipzig, 27 May 2026
0 Comments