Crystal Palace have advanced to the semi-finals of the Conference League, defeating Fiorentina 4-2 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 2-1 in Florence. Palace's progression to the last four marks their first European semi-final appearance, where they will face Shakhtar Donetsk. The Eagles are the fifth English club to reach the Conference League semi-finals, following in the footsteps of Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester, and Aston Villa.
Ismaila Sarr's early header had given Palace a promising start, but Fiorentina fought back with goals on either side of Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix's early substitutions due to injury. Despite La Viola's improved display in the second leg, it was not enough to prevent Palace from reaching the semi-finals.
Crystal Palace will host Shakhtar Donetsk in the return leg at Selhurst Park after traveling to Poland for the first leg, which is scheduled for April 30, with the second leg taking place on May 7. Palace's journey in the competition has been nothing short of remarkable, considering they were initially not supposed to participate but were demoted from the Europa League due to UEFA ownership rules.
The club's European dream continues, with manager Oliver Glasner aiming to cap off the most successful period in Palace's history by securing their first European trophy.