Conference League Semi-Final: Crystal Palace Trump Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 In Poland

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 07:40 IST

Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in Poland in the UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg, goals from Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Crystal Palace took a giant step towards the UEFA Conference League final in their first season of European football with a 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday.

Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen in Poland put the Eagles in command of the tie, despite a spirited performance from the Ukrainian league leaders.

Crystal Palace 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk: How It Happened?

Shakhtar have remained remarkably competitive in European football despite their long exile from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

However, the vast difference in resources between the sides was evident when Strand Larsen, who joined Palace for a club-record £48 million ($65 million) in February, came off the bench to give last season’s FA Cup winners a two-goal cushion late on.

“It’s a nice half-time lead, but not more," said Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

“It was a huge impact from the bench. So overall we’re very pleased with the performance, but it’s just the first step."

Palace made a dream start, taking the lead after just 21 seconds.

Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yeremy Pino combined neatly before the former played in Sarr, who fired home his 18th goal of the season, eight of which have come in the Conference League.

Arda Turan’s side then pinned back their Premier League opponents for the rest of the first half and were rewarded early in the second period.

Oleh Ocheretko slotted home the equaliser from close range after Palace failed to clear a corner.

The goal, however, jolted Glasner’s men back into life.

Dmytro Riznyk produced a brilliant double save to deny Sarr and Mateta, before the French striker struck the post from a long throw.

Shakhtar failed to heed the warning and, from Chris Richards’ next throw into the box, the ball broke kindly for Kamada, who drilled under Riznyk.

Chasing another equaliser, Shakhtar were then picked off on the counter-attack.

Kamada picked out Strand Larsen, who coolly cut inside and chipped the onrushing Riznyk for his fourth goal since joining from Wolves.

Before their shock win over Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final, Palace had never won a major trophy in their history.

Now they are favourites to add a second in 12 months, with Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg awaiting the winners in the final in Leipzig on May 27.

“This is just an amazing group of people, of men, of characters and it’s with such a big great spirit," added Glasner, who will leave Palace at the end of the season.

“There’s such a great togetherness and we always believe in us."

Rayo edged the first leg of the other semi-final 1-0 in Spain.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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