Crystal Palace to Face Shakhtar Donetsk in Conference League Semi-Finals
Crystal Palace has confirmed Shakhtar Donetsk as their opponent in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals after successfully advancing past Fiorentina. Despite losing the second leg in Florence, the Eagles secured their progression thanks to a decisive 3-0 victory in the first leg at home. This milestone marks Crystal Palace's inaugural season in European competition, where they have performed strongly as favorites. Manager Oliver Glasner now faces strategic challenges due to injuries to key players Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix ahead of the crucial ties. The semi-final schedule features the first leg in Ukraine on April 30, though Shakhtar will host the match at Stadion Miejski in Krakow, Poland, due to the ongoing conflict in their home country. The return leg is set for May 7 at Selhurst Park in London. Meanwhile, the other semi-final will see Strasbourg compete against Rayo Vallecano. Shakhtar, managed by Arda Turan, recently defeated AZ Alkmaar in the quarter-finals and currently sits second in the Ukrainian Premier League. This fixture also marks Palace's second encounter with a Ukrainian side this season, having previously beaten Dynamo Kyiv.
Wire timeline
Crystal Palace to Face Shakhtar Donetsk in Conference League Semi-Finals
Crystal Palace has confirmed Shakhtar Donetsk as their opponent in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals after successfully advancing past Fiorentina. Despite losing the second leg in Florence, the Eagles secured their progression thanks to a decisive 3-0 victory in the first leg at home. This milestone marks Crystal Palace's inaugural season in European competition, where they have performed strongly as favorites. Manager Oliver Glasner now faces strategic challenges due to injuries to key players Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix ahead of the crucial ties. The semi-final schedule features the first leg in Ukraine on April 30, though Shakhtar will host the match at Stadion Miejski in Krakow, Poland, due to the ongoing conflict in their home country. The return leg is set for May 7 at Selhurst Park in London. Meanwhile, the other semi-final will see Strasbourg compete against Rayo Vallecano. Shakhtar, managed by Arda Turan, recently defeated AZ Alkmaar in the quarter-finals and currently sits second in the Ukrainian Premier League. This fixture also marks Palace's second encounter with a Ukrainian side this season, having previously beaten Dynamo Kyiv.
The Standard