New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Crystal Palace and Shakhtar Donetsk navigated their way into the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League without significant drama, while Strasbourg executed a remarkable comeback and Rayo Vallecano staged a thrilling recovery in Athens.

Palace's substantial three-goal advantage from the first leg proved insurmountable for the Viola. Sparked by a powerful header from Ismaila Sarr in the 17th minute, the visitors appeared set for an easy night in Florence until the home team struck twice around half-time.

Albert Gudmundsson converted a penalty flawlessly, and substitute Cher Ndour netted a long-range effort that narrowed the deficit to two goals.

Despite Fiorentina's attempts and two crucial saves from Dean Henderson, Palace managed to maintain their lead, setting up a semi-final clash with Shakhtar, as reported by UEFA.

Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk, after securing a commanding 3-0 lead in the first leg against AZ Alkmaar, settled for a 2-2 draw in the return match, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Coach Leeroy Echteld made a complete overhaul of his squad from the previous Eredivisie match, yet his youthful AZ team failed to score early as Shakhtar extended their aggregate lead. Kaua Elias assisted Alisson Santana for a well-executed goal just before the hour mark.

Substitute Isak Jensen answered back with a well-timed free-kick, and Matej Sín volleyed AZ ahead on the night, but Luca Meirelles swiftly extinguished any lingering hopes of a comeback with another goal.

In another match, AEK Athens nearly achieved a significant comeback as Isi Palazon's goal propelled Rayo into their first-ever UEFA semi-final.

The hosts launched 16 shots in the first half, aiming to close a 3-0 first leg gap, with goals from Zini and a penalty by Răzvan Marin bringing them within a goal. Zini found the net once more after halftime to level the aggregate score, but Rayo's captain broke through the defense on the hour mark, regaining the Madrid side's advantage and paving the way for them to advance with solid defending.

Additionally, in a stunning turn of events, Strasbourg overcame a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Mainz to reach their first-ever European semi-final.

After trailing, Sebastian Nanasi scored from close range, and Abdoul Ouattara's powerful header leveled the aggregate score before halftime. Although Emmanuel Emegha had a penalty saved, Julio Enciso later tapped into an empty net to give Strasbourg the lead in the tie for the first time. Enciso then assisted Emegha for Strasbourg's decisive fourth goal on a historic night for the Ligue 1 club.