Thu, 07 May, 2026 - 22:03

Ismaila Sarr strikes again as Crystal Palace reach Conference League final

The competition’s top scorer capped a 5-2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

By Rachel Steinberg, Press Association

Crystal Palace soared into their first European final after Conference League top scorer Ismaila Sarr scored his ninth goal in the competition to claim a 2-1 semi-final second-leg victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

For at least a certain generation of Eagles supporters, this was undoubtedly the most important fixture in nearly 102 years of Selhurst Park history, one the hosts entered with a 3-1 first-leg advantage and went on to settle the tie 5-2 on aggregate.

Daniel Munoz instigated a Pedro Henrique own goal to open the scoring in the 25th minute, cancelled out by Eguinaldo’s stylish wake-up call of an equaliser before the break.

Crystal Palace fans wave flags during the Conference League match against Shakhtar Donetsk — Crystal Palace fans were able to celebrate a place in the Conference League final (John Walton/PA)

The instrumental Sarr punched Palace’s tickets to Leipzig seven minutes into the second half, extending his scoring streak to five consecutive Conference League matches.

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