Crystal Palace took a major step towards the UEFA Conference League final with a commanding 3-1 away victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Thursday.
Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada, and Jørgen Strand Larsen gave the Premier League side a strong advantage in Poland, despite a spirited response from the Ukrainian champions.
Shakhtar, led by Arda Turan, have remained competitive in European football despite their prolonged displacement from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, Palace’s superior depth and squad value ultimately proved decisive.
The English side struck almost immediately, taking the lead after just 21 seconds. A slick combination between Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yeremy Pino set up Sarr, who finished clinically to register his 18th goal of the season—eight of them in European competition.
Shakhtar responded strongly and were rewarded early in the second half when Oleh Ocheretko equalised from close range after a corner was not properly cleared.
The goal briefly unsettled Palace, but the visitors soon regained control. Goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk produced a superb double save to deny Sarr and Mateta, before the French striker struck the post from a long throw.
Palace eventually restored their lead when Daichi Kamada reacted quickest in the box to fire home after another set-piece situation.
The decisive moment came late in the game when substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen, signed for a club-record £48 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers, sealed the win with a composed finish on the counter-attack, chipping the advancing goalkeeper for his fourth goal since joining in February.
“It’s a nice half-time lead, but not more,” said Palace manager Oliver Glasner. “It was a huge impact from the bench. Overall we’re very pleased with the performance, but it’s just the first step.”
Glasner praised his squad’s spirit and unity, describing them as a group with strong character and belief, as Palace continue their remarkable run in their first-ever European campaign.
The winner of the tie will face either Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg in the final in Leipzig on May 27, with Rayo holding a narrow 1-0 advantage after the first leg.
Having already won the FA Cup last season, Palace are now within reach of another historic European final in what is becoming a landmark period for the club.
