Premier League side, Crystal Palace, made club history as they scaled through Ukrainian Premier League side, Shakhtar Donetsk, 2-1, in the Uefa Europa Conference League 2025/26 semi final second leg at Selhurst Park on Thursday 7 May, 2026, to reach their first ever European final.
Crystal Palace were leading 3-1 after the first leg in Poland a week ago.
An early goal, in the 10th minute, by Yeremy Pino with a calm finish into the net was struck out for offside following an extremely tight offside decision.
The Eagles kept on searching and found the opener in the 25th minute after Adam Wharton’s strong 25-yard strike was pushed away by the away goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, but, it fell for Daniel Munoz, who released a low cross from a tight spot that struck Pedro Henrique, and into his own net.
Shakhtar Donetsk fought back and levelled in the 34th minute with a fine curl from Eguinaldo with an assist from Pedro Henrique
Jean-Philippe Mateta went close to bringing back Crystal Palace in front before the end of the first half, but, his beautiful scissor-kick hit the post.
After the break, in the 52nd minute, the Eagles sealed victory with Ismaila Sarr’s goal, converting Tyrick Mitchell’s low left-wing cross. It was the Senegalese forward’s ninth goal in the competition, making him the top scorer this season.
With a 5-2 aggregate win, Crystal Palace head into the Uefa Europa Conference League final to face Spanish side, Rayo Vallecano, on Wednesday 27 May, 2026 at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany at 20:00 (WAT).
Rayo Vallecano defeated French Ligue 1 side, Strasbourg, with a 2-0 aggregate win to reach the final.
Crystal Palace will be aiming to clinch their third trophy in twelve (12) months after winning the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Photo: Crystal Palace players celebrate after reaching the Uefa Europa League final with a 5-2 aggregate victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi final | Getty Images
