Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final in Krakow, Poland. Ismaila Sarr scored the fastest goal in competition history after just 21 seconds. The win gives Palace a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace launched their UEFA Conference League semi-final with a stunning start at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium. Ismaila Sarr raced onto Jean-Philippe Mateta’s knockdown to score after 21 seconds, the quickest goal in the competition’s history. The travelling Palace fans erupted in celebration as their team seized control early on Thursday night, April 30, 2026. Shakhtar Donetsk dominated possession at times, exceeding 70%, but struggled to create clear chances despite threats from players like Eguinaldo. Shakhtar leveled the score two minutes into the second half through Oleh Ocheretko, who converted from close range after a flick-on from Kaua Elias. Palace responded swiftly, restoring their lead in the 58th minute when Daichi Kamada drilled home from a long throw by Chris Richards amid chaos in the box. Manager Oliver Glasner praised his team’s resilience, telling TNT Sports: “I was really impressed with the reaction the team showed when we conceded the equaliser.” Substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen sealed the 3-1 win with six minutes left, finishing a counter-attack pass from Kamada to lift the ball into the corner. Strand Larsen, who had been struggling for form, said: “I needed that... to come in and score is amazing.” Palace now hold a two-goal cushion for the second leg at Selhurst Park next Thursday, with a spot in the May 27 final in Leipzig at stake. Glasner called the result “just the first step,” urging his side to perform even better at home.
