Crystal Palace reached their first European final in club history by defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Conference League semi-final. After taking a 3-1 lead in the first leg, Palace extended their advantage in the second leg at Selhurst Park when Pedro Henrique turned Daniel Munoz's shot into his own net in the 25th minute. Shakhtar pulled level on the night through Eguinaldo's composed finish into the top corner, but Ismaila Sarr sealed the tie early in the second half by converting Tyrick Mitchell's cross, marking his ninth goal in the competition. Palace withstood little further pressure to secure the win, advancing to face Rayo Vallecano in the final on May 27 in Leipzig. Manager Oliver Glasner, who confirmed earlier this season he would depart when his contract expires next month, oversaw his final match in charge. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson praised Glasner's impact, saying he made the team believe they could win any game. The victory adds to Palace's remarkable season, which included winning last season's FA Cup final against Manchester City and the Community Shield via a penalty shootout against Liverpool. Adam Wharton played a key role in the second-leg opener, with his long-range effort leading to the own goal. Jean-Philippe Mateta also went close before halftime, striking the post with a scissor-kick attempt.
Sarr's ninth goal in the competition came in a match where Palace only managed one shot on target aside from the own goal, exposing how much they've relied on individual moments rather than sustained dominance. Glasner exits with silverware and a European final, but the manner of the semi-final win reveals the fine margins behind Palace's so-called golden era. No Nigerian or African player featured in the match.
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