Glasner Eyes Conference League Final as Palace Chase European Glory

Key facts

• Crystal Palace leads Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in their Conference League semi-final.
• The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled for Thursday at Selhurst Park.
• Oliver Glasner will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season when his contract expires in June.
• The Conference League final is scheduled for May 27 in Leipzig.
• Crystal Palace won the FA Cup in Glasner's first full season.
• They also won the Community Shield at the start of the current season.
• Palace were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round by Macclesfield.
• Potential finalists include Strasbourg or Rayo Vallecano.

A European Dream Before Departure

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has urged his team to focus on the present, stating "now is not the time to get melancholic" as they stand on the cusp of reaching their first major European final. The Austrian, who announced he will depart the club at the season's end, is seeking to cap his tenure with a historic European trophy for the south London side. The Eagles hold a commanding 3-1 lead over Shakhtar Donetsk from the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final. The crucial return fixture is set to take place on Thursday at their home ground, Selhurst Park. Should Crystal Palace successfully navigate this tie, the Conference League final in Leipzig on May 27 would mark Glasner's final match in charge. His departure follows the expiration of his contract in June, a decision he revealed earlier in the season.

Glasner's Palace Legacy: Trophies and Transitions

Glasner's tenure has already seen significant success, most notably guiding Crystal Palace to their first-ever major trophy with victory in the 2025 FA Cup. This achievement was followed by a Community Shield win at the commencement of the current campaign, showcasing a rapid ascent for the club under his guidance. However, their defence of the FA Cup concluded abruptly in January, with a surprising third-round exit at the hands of non-league outfit Macclesfield. The manager's subsequent announcement of his impending departure the following week was widely interpreted as a response to the club's transfer strategy. "I made my decision and I have my reasons, but as I've always said, we want to end the season in the best possible way -- and now we have the chance to do it," Glasner stated at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, underscoring his commitment to finishing strongly.

Motivation for the Final Push

The prospect of European silverware provides a powerful incentive for the players, Glasner explained. He emphasized that the team should be motivated by their own ambitions and the club's supporters, rather than solely by his impending departure. "I tell the players very often: don't do anything for me, do it for yourselves, do it for the club, do it for the fans, because winning the Conference League means European football again next year at Selhurst," he said. Glasner used a vivid analogy to describe the players' hunger for success: "The players tasted the honey last year with the FA Cup. This year it's the Conference League and they want honey again. They won't be happy with just avocado, so they want it a bit sweeter."

Anticipating the Opposition

Should Crystal Palace overcome Shakhtar Donetsk, their path to the final would lead to a clash with either French side Strasbourg or Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano. Both teams will be vying for a place in the showpiece event. Despite the healthy first-leg advantage, Glasner remains cautious ahead of the return fixture. His side suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend, a result that serves as a reminder of the challenges they face. "We will need another great performance, but of course we will play the game with a lot of confidence at home. We know we will have fantastic support from our fans," Glasner commented, acknowledging the need for a strong home performance.

Selhurst Park: A Fortress for Europe

The atmosphere at Selhurst Park is expected to be electric as Crystal Palace aims to secure their place in the Conference League final. The club has a history of passionate home support, which Glasner believes will be a crucial factor in overcoming Shakhtar Donetsk. Winning the Conference League not only offers a major European trophy but also guarantees a place in European competition next season. This added incentive underscores the significance of the current campaign for both the players and the club's long-term aspirations. Glasner's focus remains squarely on the immediate task: ensuring his team delivers the performance required to advance. The manager's pragmatic approach, coupled with the players' taste for success, sets the stage for a compelling semi-final conclusion.

The bottom line

• Crystal Palace is poised to reach the Conference League final, holding a 3-1 lead over Shakhtar Donetsk.
• Manager Oliver Glasner will depart the club at the end of the season, making the final his last potential game.
• The Eagles previously won the FA Cup in Glasner's first full season, their first major trophy.
• A Conference League victory would secure European qualification for Crystal Palace next season.
• The final is scheduled for May 27 in Leipzig, with potential opponents Strasbourg or Rayo Vallecano.
• Glasner emphasized player motivation should stem from self-ambition and fan support, not solely his departure.