WARSAW – Crystal Palace have taken a commanding step towards the UEFA Conference League final in their debut European campaign, defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday.
First-half goals from Ismaila Sarr and Daichi Kamada, followed by a late strike from substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen, put the Eagles in firm control of the tie despite a resilient display from the Ukrainian league leaders.
Shakhtar have remained remarkably competitive on the continental stage throughout their prolonged exile from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, the vast disparity in resources was laid bare as Strand Larsen – who joined Palace for a club-record £48 million ($65 million) in February – came off the bench to secure a two-goal cushion for last season’s FA Cup winners.
“It is a nice half-time lead, but nothing more,” said Palace manager Oliver Glasner. “There was a huge impact from the bench. Overall, we are very pleased with the performance, but this is only the first step.”
Dream start
Palace enjoyed a dream beginning, taking the lead after just 21 seconds. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yeremy Pino combined neatly before Mateta 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 pinned back their Premier League opponents for the remainder of the first half and earned their reward early in the second period. Oleh Ocheretko slotted home the equaliser from close range after Palace failed to clear a corner.
Eagles respond
The goal, however, reignited Glasner’s men. 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: from Chris Richards’ next throw into the box, the ball broke kindly for Kamada to drill under Riznyk.
As Shakhtar pushed for an equaliser, they were 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.
‘Amazing togetherness’
Prior to their shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last season, Palace had never won a major trophy in their history. Now they are favourites to add a second inside 12 months, with Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg awaiting the winners in the final in Leipzig on 27 May.
“This is an amazing group of people, of men, of characters, and there is such a great spirit,” added Glasner, who will leave Palace at the end of the season. “There is a tremendous togetherness, and we always believe in ourselves.”
Rayo Vallecano edged the first leg of the other semi-final 1-0 in Spain.
