Crystal Palace travel to Hamburg to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final. The Eagles are aiming to reach their first European final, while Shakhtar look to continue their impressive run in the competition.
Team News
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has named a strong side, with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise supporting striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Marc Guehi returns from injury to partner Joachim Andersen in central defense. For Shakhtar, coach Marino Pusic starts with Danylo Sikan leading the line, supported by Georgiy Sudakov and Heorhii Sudakov in midfield.
First Half Action
The match kicked off at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Shakhtar started brightly, pressing high and forcing an early save from Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The Ukrainian side took the lead in the 12th minute when Sudakov curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner. Palace responded well, with Eze testing Shakhtar keeper Artur Rudko with a long-range effort. The equalizer came in the 34th minute when Olise cut inside from the right and fired a low shot into the bottom corner. The first half ended 1-1.
Second Half
Both teams had chances after the break. Mateta headed wide from a Tyrick Mitchell cross, while Shakhtar's Sikan hit the post from a tight angle. The game became more physical, with several yellow cards shown. Palace grew into the game and took the lead in the 68th minute when Eze played a one-two with Olise before slotting home. Shakhtar pushed for an equalizer but were caught on the counter in the 82nd minute, as substitute Odsonne Edouard made it 3-1. The home side pulled one back in stoppage time through a close-range finish from substitute Lassina Traoré, but Palace held on for a 3-2 victory.
Key Takeaways
- Palace take a narrow lead into the second leg at Selhurst Park next week.
- Eze and Olise were instrumental, combining for two goals.
- Shakhtar showed resilience but defensive lapses cost them.
The second leg promises to be a tense affair, with Palace favorites to advance but Shakhtar capable of causing an upset.
