Crystal Palace are now three games away from European glory
Almost a year ago, Crystal Palace supporters witnessed a historic day they might have thought impossible to surpass. On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the club famously defeated Manchester City to secure the FA Cup, marking their first major trophy in their 120-year professional history.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for everyone connected with the Eagles. Now, they find themselves on the verge of another milestone, just one step away from reaching their first major European final.
Making their debut in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Palace secured a semi-final clash with Shakhtar Donetsk after overcoming Italian side Fiorentina over two legs. Although they lost the second leg 2-1 on Thursday, their 3-0 victory in the first leg at Selhurst Park ensured progression. Fans who traveled to Italy remained determined to celebrate despite the setback.
Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson expressed the collective sentiment to TNT Sports:
"This is unbelievable for this football club, sensational when you think of the FA Cup last season and then to keep going and create a new chapter in the book.
"The togetherness in the group is phenomenal and at the business end of the season, we come together.
"We've just got to keep pushing on and build momentum."
Palace hold off Fiorentina fightback to reach semis
Palace latest team to show why competition matters
When the Conference League was introduced in 2021, some questioned its value. However, it has provided numerous clubs the opportunity to achieve European success for the first time.
There were jubilant celebrations when Roma won the inaugural tournament, and the following year West Ham secured a dramatic last-minute victory against Fiorentina, ending a 43-year wait for a major trophy. Thousands gathered in East London to welcome back the victorious Hammers, highlighting the significance of the achievement for the club and its supporters.
Palace fans are likely to experience similar joy should their team complete a memorable 12 months by adding more silverware.
Former Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins commented on TNT Sports:
"The last couple of seasons have been incredible.
"They never expected to be in a European competition a couple of seasons ago but now they are going from strength to strength in this competition.
"They will feel they can go all the way."
Crystal Palace fans travelled in big numbers to Fiorentina
Sarr the star as he adds 'less glamorous goals' to his game
Midway through this season, Palace appeared to be losing momentum. Oliver Glasner, who led them to the FA Cup victory, seemed likely to depart after publicly criticizing the club's ownership in January for "abandoning" the team.
At that time, Palace were experiencing a poor run of form, dropping down the league table and finishing 10th in their Conference League group phase.
On 16 January, Glasner announced he would leave at the end of the season when his contract expired, causing concern among fans about the remainder of the campaign.
However, after confirming his intention to stay until the season's end, the team's form improved steadily. They defeated Zrinjski Mostar over two legs in the Conference League play-off and have since beaten AEK Larnaca and Fiorentina to reach the semi-finals.
A key contributor to their European success has been striker Ismaila Sarr, who scored his seventh goal in the competition during Thursday's 2-1 loss. Five of these goals have come since February, and he has tallied 17 goals across all competitions this season.
Ex-Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott praised Sarr's development:
"The variety of goals he scores are key," he said. "He has always scored good goals but the less glamorous ones that are equally important, he has added them to his game."
Ismaila Sarr has scored seven goals in 10 Conference League games this season
Can Eagles really go all the way?
Despite being newcomers, Palace were considered favourites to win the Conference League at the season's start. It took some time for them to meet those expectations, with many European performances appearing lacklustre.
However, their 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, who are two-time finalists in the competition, demonstrated their potential.
Palace now face a two-legged semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk, while Strasbourg will play Rayo Vallecano in the other semi-final.
James Tomkins added:
"They made light work of them [Fiorentina] really, but from here on in they will expect some really tough games, there is some good quality in the competition.
"The question is whether they can bring the positivity from the first leg. That was the best I've seen them for a while, the three-week break did them the world of good and they looked like the team we saw early this season and last season."
The season will conclude with Glasner's departure, but it could also end with a European trophy.
Glasner said:
"Of course, that is what we all want.
"We want to enjoy our life together, not just the football. The more successful you are, the more you enjoy your life.
"When you play the semi-final, you want to get it all at the end and that's what we will go for."
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