By Francis Onyach - Reporter
United Kingdom, May 08, 2026 - Crystal Palace booked their place in the UEFA Conference League final after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2–1 at Selhurst Park, sealing an impressive 5–2 aggregate victory and continuing one of the most remarkable seasons in the club’s history.
The result sends Crystal Palace into their first-ever major European final, where they will face Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27 after the Spanish side eliminated Strasbourg in the other semi-final.
Coming into the second leg with a 3–1 advantage from the first meeting in Krakow, Palace were in a strong position, but manager Oliver Glasner warned before kickoff that the tie was far from over against a dangerous Shakhtar side with significant European experience.
Under the lights at Selhurst Park, however, Palace once again showed the confidence, intensity, and attacking quality that have defined their European campaign.
The hosts started brightly and nearly opened the scoring early through Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose movement caused immediate problems for Shakhtar’s defense. Palace continued pressing aggressively, forcing mistakes and disrupting Shakhtar’s attempts to build rhythm in midfield.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the first half when Palace took advantage of a defensive error inside the area. A dangerous attacking move led to confusion in the Shakhtar box, and the ball deflected in off defender Pedro Henrique for an own goal that gave Palace the lead on the night and extended their aggregate advantage further.
Shakhtar responded well and refused to let the tie drift away quietly. The Ukrainian side increased the tempo and found an equalizer through Eguinaldo, whose composed finish briefly gave the visitors hope of a comeback.
For a period, the momentum shifted toward Shakhtar. Palace were forced deeper into their own half as the visitors searched for another goal that could reignite the contest. But Palace once again demonstrated the resilience that has become a major feature of their season.
The decisive moment came in the second half through Ismaïla Sarr.
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The Senegal international continued his outstanding Conference League campaign by scoring Palace’s second goal of the night with a composed finish after a rapid counterattack. It was Sarr’s ninth goal of the tournament, making him the competition’s leading scorer this season.
From that point onward, Palace managed the game intelligently. Shakhtar continued to push forward, but Glasner’s side defended with discipline while remaining dangerous on the break. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson also produced important interventions as Palace protected their advantage in the closing stages.
When the final whistle sounded, emotional celebrations erupted around Selhurst Park.
For Crystal Palace supporters, the moment represented something historic. A club long associated with resilience and survival battles in English football will now compete in a European final for the first time.
The achievement also continues the extraordinary work of Oliver Glasner, whose impact since arriving at the club has transformed Palace into one of the most organized and dangerous teams in England. Under his leadership, Palace already secured the FA Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s history, and now stand one match away from European silverware as well.
The final against Rayo Vallecano promises to be one of the most fascinating European showpieces in recent years. Like Palace, the Spanish side will also be appearing in their first major European final after defeating Strasbourg 1–0 away from home to complete a 2–0 aggregate victory.
The Conference League final will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on May 27.
For Crystal Palace, what once seemed unimaginable is now just one game away.