Ismaila Sarr scored for the fifth consecutive UEFA Conference League match to guide Crystal Palace into their inaugural European final with a 5-2 aggregate victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the semifinals on 8 May. The Eagles won 3-1 away in Krakow in the first leg before securing a 2-1 home victory at Selhurst Park, setting up a final showdown against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on 27 May.

The semifinal second leg

Shakhtar, needing to overturn the 3-1 first-leg deficit, started with intensity but Palace's attacking pace proved decisive. Adam Wharton's quick thinking allowed him to break free and fire an awkward effort toward Dmytro Riznyk's left post; the visiting keeper parried the shot, but Daniel Muñoz reacted fastest to the rebound, and his cross deflected off Pedro Henrique past Riznyk to give Palace an early advantage.

The Ukrainian Premier League leaders leveled swiftly when Eguinaldo controlled a pass with his back to goal and executed a composed finish from inside the box, curling a left-footed effort into the top corner. Palace threatened an immediate response when Jean-Philippe Mateta's acrobatic scissor-kick volley struck the upright.

Sarr seals the tie

Seven minutes into the second half, Sarr darted between two defenders to meet Tyrick Mitchell's low delivery, guiding the ball into the net with a precise touch off the woodwork. The goal effectively ended Shakhtar's hopes of a comeback, though the Ukrainian outfit continued to test Dean Henderson with occasional attempts. Palace's defense held firm for the remainder of the contest, with the Selhurst Park crowd celebrating passage to the continent's third-tier European competition final.

Palace's historic opportunity

The south London club now stands one match away from winning a third trophy in twelve months, and crucially, their first-ever silverware on the continental stage. Manager Oliver Glasner's side has exceeded expectations in European competition, progressing from relative outsiders to finalists in their first Conference League campaign.

Rayo Vallecano secure their maiden European final

Rayo Vallecano booked their place in the Leipzig showpiece with a 2-0 aggregate victory over Strasbourg in a tightly contested semifinal. The La Liga club have reached their first-ever European final in their 102-year history, achieving the milestone in only their second season of UEFA competition. Their previous continental appearance came in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup, when they were eliminated 4-2 on aggregate by Alaves in the last eight.

What lies ahead

The 27 May final will pit Palace's momentum and attacking prowess against Vallecano's Spanish top-flight pedigree, promising a compelling contest for Conference League honors and UEFA Europa League qualification.