Crystal Palace take on the visitors Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of UEFA Conference League round of semifinals. First leg result: 3-1. The match will be played on Thursday, May 7th at Selhurst Park (London).
Crystal Palace are trying to make the absolute most of their rare success. “The Eagles” compete in the toughest and most competitive domestic league in football — the Premier League. Even establishing themselves as a solid mid-table side was already an achievement. They reached a new level in 2025 under Oliver Glasner: last year they won the FA Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s history, and followed it up with the Super Cup after the summer break. For a while, it seemed they could push higher in the league as well, but the announcement that Glasner would not renew his contract and would leave in the summer clearly affected the squad. Their recent home form in Europe has been especially impressive, with disciplined performances and efficient finishing in key moments. Even when not dominating matches, Palace have shown maturity and resilience in knockout football. While their domestic form dipped, the Conference League debutants have impressed in Europe, even if not spectacularly: they scored just once against Fredrikstad FK in summer qualifying, then collected ten points in the main round with three wins. In the playoffs, they eliminated HŠK Zrinjski Mostar, AEK Larnaca FC, and even ACF Fiorentina, beating each of them once despite losing in Florence.
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Shakhtar Donetsk rightfully claim the status of the dominant force in Ukrainian football, so failing to even finish second in the last Ukrainian Premier League campaign became the club’s biggest failure in decades. However, Arda Turan has already faced his own difficulties: losing the cup to FC Dynamo Kyiv, struggling in the league before finally pulling away from rivals led by LNZ Cherkasy in spring, and then falling to Panathinaikos FC on penalties in Europa League qualifying after two goalless draws. Their recent European away performances have been brave and competitive, especially against technically stronger opponents. The team has also shown strong character in knockout matches, often deciding ties through disciplined tactical football. They also nearly failed against Servette FC in qualification for this tournament, but eventually edged past the Swiss side and collected 13 points in the main round. In the playoffs, “The Orange-and-Blacks” confidently beat both Lech Poznań and AZ Alkmaar in the first legs, which ultimately secured qualification. Against the English side, they managed to keep a faint hope alive thanks to Riznyk’s saves and an equalizer early in the second half, but then Kamada killed the intrigue with a goal and an assist.
The clubs met for the first time only last Thursday. It is hard to believe that Shakhtar will suddenly produce a major surprise here. Back Crystal Palace to win again.
Prediction for the match: Crystal Palace to win.
