Crystal Palace secured a commanding 3-1 lead to bring back to south London after the opening leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk. The victory puts the Selhurst Park side in a strong position as they chase a second major trophy under manager Oliver Glasner.
The match began explosively for Palace. Just 21 seconds after kickoff, Ismaila Sarr linked up with Jean-Philippe Mateta and slipped the ball into the far corner of the net. The strike not only gave Palace an early advantage but also propelled Sarr to become the joint top scorer in this season's competition and the holder of the record for the fastest goal scored in the tournament. Shakhtar responded after the interval, capitalising on a sloppy set‑piece from the visitors.
A corner was delivered into the box, and Oleh Ocheretko pounced, converting from close range to make it 1-1. The Ukrainian side then began to dominate possession, applying sustained pressure and creating several chances.
For a period it appeared the tie might be swinging in their favour. Palace, however, remained disciplined when out of possession. They stayed compact, allowing Shakhtar to push forward while constantly threatening on the break.
A flurry of attempts followed, but the breakthrough finally came when Sarr and Mateta forced a spectacular double save from goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. Mateta’s effort struck the post, and shortly thereafter Daichi Kamada added a second‑half goal, restoring Palace’s two‑goal cushion. The second half showcased Oliver Glasner’s tactical acumen.
Palace’s physicality made it difficult for Shakhtar to break them down in open play, while their pace on the counter proved decisive. Kamada, operating from midfield, recovered the ball deep in his own half and released substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen on a blistering run. The Norwegian forward calmly slotted the ball past Riznyk with a composed dink, sealing a 3-1 scoreline.
Glasner’s side delivered a professional performance that should see them enter the return leg as overwhelming favourites to reach the final in Leipzig on 27 May. The win also reinforces Palace’s pre‑tournament reputation as one of the competition’s favourites, and it could provide a fairy‑tale ending for the departing manager.
Should Glasner guide the team to a trophy in Leipzig, his legacy at Selhurst Park would be cemented in a way few supporters could have imagined. In the other semi‑final on Thursday, Rayo Vallecano edged Strasbourg 1-0 at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas thanks to a goal from Maciej Zurawski.
The final will be contested in Leipzig on 27 May. Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter noted that raw statistics can be misleading. While Shakhtar enjoyed higher possession and more total shots, Palace generated more sustained and higher‑quality chances. The team’s game plan focused on quick transitions, exploiting their speed and defensive solidity.
Expected goals (xG) figures reflected this: Shakhtar posted an xG of 1.06 compared with Palace’s 2.31, underscoring the efficiency of the English side despite holding only 29% of the ball. Glasner praised his players in a post‑match interview with TNT Sports, saying, "I’m very happy and very pleased with the performance.
Credit to the players – they stuck to the plan and worked very hard, every single one in defence. We didn’t give them a lot.
They were a big threat from set‑plays, which is where we conceded, but we were equally dangerous when we went forward. Overall we are very pleased, but this is just the first step.
We have to perform even better at home to reach the final." Striker Jørgen Strand Larsen also spoke to TNT Sports, reflecting on his personal journey: "I needed that. I was unlucky last game against Liverpool, so my confidence dipped a little, but I kept pushing.
It’s tough because we have two good players fighting for one spot. Scoring here feels amazing. After we scored early, we knew they were a quality side.
We had to stay focused, not lose our heads. We’re 3-1 up but there’s still a game to play. It’s important for me and the team to get a third. We understand the manager’s structure and the team’s approach.
We sat deeper today but executed well on the counter‑attack – and if we had been even sharper we could have added more goals." Looking ahead, Palace will travel to Bournemouth for a Premier League clash on Sunday before hosting Shakhtar in the second leg at Selhurst Park next Thursday. The Bournemouth match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, offers a final test of form before the decisive European encounter.
Fans can also take part in the Sky Sports Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available through the platform. In summary, Crystal Palace’s early dominance, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing have placed them in a commanding position for the Europa Conference League semi‑final. With a solid defensive foundation, swift counter‑attacks, and a manager who has clearly outlined a winning blueprint, the Selhurst Park side appear poised to make history by reaching the final in Leipzig, potentially securing a second major trophy in the club’s history.