SOCCER: Crystal Palace into Conference League final with win over Shakhtar

LONDON – Crystal Palace reached the UEFA Conference League final after a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at Selhurst Park on Thursday secured a 5-2 aggregate win, sending the Premier League side into the competition’s final in their first season in European play.

Palace, who began their campaign by winning the Community Shield, will conclude their season with a final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27 in Leipzig. The Spanish side advanced after defeating Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate.

“It’s pretty incredible, honestly, to get into a European competition with Crystal Palace, never mind making the final,” Palace captain and goalkeeper Dean Henderson told TNT Sports. “You see the connection between the players and the supporters. It’s fantastic.”

Holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Poland, Palace thought they had taken an early lead in the 10th minute, but Yeremy Pino’s goal was disallowed for offside.

The hosts eventually went ahead in the 25th minute when Adam Wharton’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, and Daniel Muñoz converted the rebound, with the effort deflecting off defender Pedro Henrique.

Shakhtar responded nine minutes later through Eguinaldo, who controlled a pass inside the box before curling a precise finish into the top corner to level the match.

Palace restored their advantage shortly after halftime when Ismaila Sarr scored his ninth goal of the competition, moving him to the top of the Conference League scoring charts. The strike re-established Palace’s three-goal aggregate cushion.

Oliver Glasner’s side then managed the remainder of the match by absorbing sustained Shakhtar pressure, as the home crowd celebrated well before the final whistle. The result sets up the possibility of a historic European trophy for Palace in what could be the manager’s final game in charge.

“First trophy in 120 years last year, and we are trying to get another for the fans,” Wharton said. “You get goosebumps. It’s incredible. This is the best Selhurst Park has been in my two years here. Unbelievable atmosphere, and you can tell how much it means to south London.”

Palace had originally qualified for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup last season, the club’s first major trophy, but were moved to the Conference League due to a multi-club ownership ruling involving French side Olympique Lyonnais. -Reporting by Trevor Stynes, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Ken Ferris/Reuters