Crystal Palace booked a place in their first-ever European final after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at Selhurst Park to seal a 5-2 aggregate victory in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.
Holding a comfortable 3-1 lead from the first leg, the Eagles completed the job in front of a jubilant home crowd, with Ismaïla Sarr once again proving decisive by scoring his ninth goal of the competition.
The hosts struck first midway through the opening half when Daniel Muñoz reacted quickest after Dmytro Riznyk parried Adam Wharton’s effort, with the ball deflecting off Pedro Henrique and into the net for an own goal.
Shakhtar responded before the interval through Eguinaldo, who produced a composed finish into the top corner after being picked out by Pedro Henrique to briefly raise hopes for the Ukrainian side.
Crystal Palace had earlier seen a Yéremy Pino goal ruled out for offside following a VAR review, while Dean Henderson was also called into action with key saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Oliver Glasner’s men regained control seven minutes into the second half when Tyrick Mitchell slid a low cross into the box and Sarr guided the ball home at the far post with Jean-Philippe Mateta waiting nearby.
The Senegal forward has now scored in five consecutive Conference League matches as Palace continued their remarkable European run.
Shakhtar, who have been forced to stage their home European matches in Poland because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, fought hard throughout the contest but were unable to overturn the deficit.
Mateta came close to adding another spectacular goal before being replaced in the second half, while Nathaniel Clyne marked his 250th Palace appearance after coming on late in the game.
At the final whistle, Selhurst Park erupted in celebration as Crystal Palace secured a historic place in the Conference League final in Leipzig.
