UECL: Palace Hold Off Shakhtar to Book Date with Rayo Vallecano

Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar to reach first-ever European final

The result puts Palace one win away from only the second major trophy in their 120-year history.

Shakhtar remain top of the Ukrainian league and are on course for European football next season despite the defeat...

Crystal Palace’s remarkable run continued as they secured a 5-2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the first UEFA Conference League final, sealing it with a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

Oliver Glasner restored his key players after resting them for the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at the weekend, and a full-strength Palace side delivered on a historic night for the club.

Shakhtar came out strongly and created the first chances, with Kaua Elias going close twice early on. His initial effort slid just wide, and he was later denied by Dean Henderson before the flag went up for offside.

Palace believed they’d sealed their place in the final in the 10th minute when Chris Richards’ long ball found Jean-Philippe Mateta, who flicked it on for Yeremy Pino to race through and slot home. The celebrations didn’t last, as Pino was ruled narrowly offside.

The Selhurst Park crowd didn’t wait long for a goal to celebrate, as Palace struck just past the halfway mark of the first half.

Adam Wharton forced a save with a powerful 25-yard strike, and when Daniel Munoz went for the rebound from a tight angle, his effort deflected in off Pedro Henrique for an own goal.

Shakhtar, fielding seven Brazilians in the starting lineup, pulled level on the night nine minutes later. Eguinaldo took the ball inside the box with his back to goal, turned sharply, and curled a brilliant finish into the top left corner.

Palace regained the lead just seven minutes into the second half when Ismaila Sarr poked home from close range after a low cross from Tyrick Mitchell. It was Sarr’s sixth goal in his last five Conference League matches and ninth in the competition overall, making him the outright top scorer.

Crystal Palace finish the job at Selhurst Park 🦅#UECL | @CPFC pic.twitter.com/AEqsoQTLpL

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 7, 2026

Arda Turan responded with a double substitution to try and spark a late fightback, but Palace remained dangerous going forward. Mitchell later found himself through on goal, only to see his shot blocked.

It was a landmark night for Crystal Palace, who booked their place in the final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig. They’ll now have a shot at only the second major trophy in the club’s 120-year history.

Shakhtar were left disappointed, but their European future looks secure. The 2009 UEFA Cup winners sit top of the Ukrainian league and remain on track to qualify for continental competition next season.