Crystal Palace have clinched a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals after edging out Fiorentina 4-2 on aggregate, despite dropping the second leg 2-1 on the road in Florence. The English side entered the match with a comfortable three-goal cushion, thanks to a dominant 3-0 victory at Selhurst Park in the first encounter. Early on, Ismaila Sarr gave the Eagles an even larger advantage with a powerful header, suggesting the tie was already decided. Yet Fiorentina, determined to revive their chances, responded with two goals flanking the early forced substitutions of Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix.
Although the Italians improved markedly in the return fixture, their comeback was insufficient to overturn Palace's aggregate lead, and the Eagles will now prepare for a semi-final clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. This achievement marks Palace’s inaugural appearance in a European semi-final and makes them the fifth English club to reach the last four of the Conference League, following the footsteps of Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester City and Aston Villa. The match line‑ups reflected the physical toll the competition has taken. Palace started with Dean Henderson (5), Munoz (6), Lacroix (5), Canvot (5), Richards (6), Mitchell (6), Wharton (5), Kamada (6), Sarr (7), Mateta (5) and Pino (5).
Substitutes who featured were Lerma (6), Hughes (6), Larsen (5) and Riad (6). Sarr was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution. A pivotal moment arrived when Jaydee Canvot fouled Rolando Mandragora inside the box, earning Fiorentina a penalty.
Albert Gudmundsson calmly stepped up, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way and converting the spot‑kick. The penalty pause also coincided with Wharton’s sudden discomfort; the England international, who has battled several injuries this season, limped off after just 30 minutes and was replaced by Jefferson Lerma.
Lacroix soon followed, with Oliver Glasner opting for a pre‑half‑time change, bringing on Chadi Riad for the French centre‑back. Lacroix later posted a grateful message on social media, thanking his faith for a swift recovery. The second half saw Palace missing the physical presence of Jean‑Philippe Mateta, who did not return after the break, with Jorgen Strand Larsen taking his place. Fiorentina’s Cher Ndour produced a spectacular long‑range strike that gave the Italians a glimmer of hope, but despite sustained pressure on Henderson, the visitors could not translate their efforts into a decisive result.
Looking ahead, Palace will host Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of the semi‑final at Selhurst Park. The Ukrainian side earned their place by beating AZ Alkmaar 5-2 over two legs.
Palace will enjoy the advantage of playing the return match at home after travelling to Poland for the first leg, a logistical adjustment forced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The first leg of the semi‑final is scheduled for 30 April, with the decisive second leg set for 7 May. Palace’s journey to this stage has been anything but straightforward.
Initially relegated to the Conference League due to UEFA ownership regulations, the club has defied expectations and carved out a historic run. They now stand on the brink of a final in Leipzig, a prospect that seemed unimaginable at the season’s start.
Manager Oliver Glasner, aware of the significance of a potential European trophy for the club, praised his squad’s resilience. He acknowledged the challenges posed by a congested schedule, injuries to key players, and a dip in domestic form.
Yet he emphasized that the team’s collective spirit and defensive solidity were decisive factors in overcoming Fiorentina’s resurgence. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, speaking to TNT Sports, reflected on the magnitude of the achievement: "It’s unbelievable for this club. After the FA Cup run last year, to keep writing a new chapter is phenomenal.
The fans have stuck by us through the tough times, and we hope to give them something special." Glasner added that the quarter‑final second leg was particularly demanding: "We had a great start, but the early penalty gave Fiorentina belief. Two early substitutions limited our options, so we took Mateta off at half‑time. In the second half we fell behind 2‑1, but the team responded well, defended resolutely and showed great resilience. In knockout football you need different skills, and today we displayed exactly that." In the post‑match press conference, Glasner confirmed that Wharton’s exit was due to an adductor strain, while Lacroix suffered a medial knee ligament injury, though he hopes the damage is not severe.
Both incidents underscore the physical challenges Palace has faced throughout the campaign. Beyond the match report, the club continues to engage fans through digital platforms, encouraging them to download the Sky Sports app and follow updates via WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, and analysis.
As Palace prepares for the semi‑final, the narrative of an under‑dog club punching above its weight resonates strongly. Their ability to adapt to injuries, manage a demanding fixture list, and maintain belief under pressure exemplifies the unpredictable magic of European football. If they can sustain this momentum, a historic first European trophy could be within reach, cementing a remarkable season for the Eagles and their supporters.