Crystal Palace booked their place in the Conference League final after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at Selhurst Park. The Eagles secured a 5-2 aggregate victory, setting up a showdown with Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27. This remarkable achievement comes after Palace were initially demoted to the third-tier competition following Uefa's punishment for breaching multi-club ownership rules under former owner John Textor.

Manager Oliver Glasner, who will depart in the summer after just two years at the helm, described the achievement as "unbelievable" despite his planned exit. Ismaila Sarr's ninth goal in the competition made him the tournament's top scorer as Palace's passionate supporters created an electric atmosphere. The club's journey began in a Swiss courtroom with an unsuccessful appeal against their European demotion.

Palace's European run adds to their most successful period in 121-year history, following FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs. Despite squad issues, a 12-game winless run, and key players potentially leaving, the Eagles maintained their focus. Captain Dean Henderson captured the mood, stating it's "incredible for the football club" and that they need to "deliver something special" in the final after Nottingham Forest's Europa League elimination.