Crystal Palace Defeats Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 to seize semi-final edge

Crystal Palace defeats Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1, and the first leg swung on two early and decisive swings of pace. Ismaila Sarr scored after 21 seconds, the fastest goal in the competition, and Palace carried a 3-1 lead back to Selhurst Park.

Sarr, Kamada and Strand Larsen

Sarr’s opener set the tone immediately. Daichi Kamada made it 2-1 after Dmytro Riznyk had produced a double save to deny Palace, and Jorgen Strand Larsen added the third to leave the visitors with a clear advantage from Thursday’s away leg in south London.

Oleh Ocheretko pulled one back for Shakhtar Donetsk just after the break from close range, but Palace responded with the next two goals and the last word on the night.

Glasner’s Palace plan

Oliver Glasner called the display pleasing and said his side stuck to the plan. “I'm very happy and very pleased with the performance. Credit to the players - they stuck to the plan and worked very hard, every single one in defence. We didn't give them a lot.”

He also pointed to how Palace handled set-pieces and their attacking threat. “They were a big threat from set-plays. This is where we conceded, but I think we were also the same when we went forward. When we were on the attack, it was always very threatening.”

Palace finished with 29 per cent possession and still posted the better chance quality, with 2.31 xG to Shakhtar’s 1.06. That split matches the scoreline: Palace did more with fewer spells on the ball, while Shakhtar could not turn control into enough clear chances.

Leipzig on May 27

Glasner kept the focus on the tie rather than the destination. “Overall, we are very pleased with the performance, but it's just the first step.” Palace now carry a 3-1 advantage into the return leg, with the final in Leipzig scheduled for May 27.

The other semi-final on Thursday ended Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Strasbourg, leaving Palace with a strong position as the bracket moves toward the final in Germany.