Shakhtar Donetsk currently leads the Ukrainian Premier League. They won their last match against Zorya Luhansk with a score of 2-1. In contrast, Crystal Palace sits at 13th in the English Premier League, coming off a defeat against Liverpool, losing 3-1.

This match marks the first leg of the semi-finals. Shakhtar Donetsk advanced by defeating AZ Alkmaar 5-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace overcame Fiorentina with a 4-2 aggregate score.

Key statistics:

• Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
• Shakhtar has covered the +0.5 line in seven consecutive games.
• Ismaila Sarr has scored seven goals in this season’s Conference League.

This match is particularly notable as it is the first-ever meeting between Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace. Historically, Shakhtar has faced English teams 18 times, winning five and losing nine.

Crystal Palace aims to capitalize on their position as favorites despite their recent loss. Ismaila Sarr might be key to securing a win for Palace in this critical first leg.

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As the teams prepare to meet at Selhurst Park on April 12, 2026, the dynamics have shifted significantly. Crystal Palace is enjoying a five-game unbeaten run at home across all competitions, while Newcastle has lost six of their last nine Premier League matches. This stark contrast in form could play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.

Newcastle’s struggles are compounded by their historical performance at Selhurst Park, where they have managed only one win in their last ten visits. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s recent form includes three wins, four losses, and three draws in their last ten league games, indicating a more stable trajectory.

Expert opinions suggest that the match could be tightly contested. One analyst remarked, “Back Eagles to Frustrate Magpies,” highlighting the potential for Crystal Palace to capitalize on Newcastle’s vulnerabilities. Additionally, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon is looking to extend his scoring streak to four consecutive Premier League matches, which could be a key factor in their attack.

In terms of injuries, Newcastle’s Sven Botman is expected to be sidelined until the end of the month due to surgery on a facial injury, which could further weaken their defense. On the other hand, Crystal Palace welcomes back Jorgen Strand Larsen from a Conference League suspension, adding depth to their squad.

As the match approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. Crystal Palace aims to maintain their unbeaten run, while Newcastle seeks to reverse their recent fortunes. The outcome remains uncertain, but the contrasting forms of the two sides suggest an intriguing encounter is on the horizon.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineups for the match, but the anticipation continues to build as fans await the clash between these two Premier League sides.

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In a tense encounter that required extra time to determine the winner, Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr emerged as the star of the match, scoring both goals for his team. His performance was pivotal, especially considering AEK Larnaca’s equalizer that came with just 30 minutes remaining in regular time, raising the stakes significantly for both teams.

AEK Larnaca faced significant challenges during the match, including the dismissal of two players, which left them with only ten men after the second red card. Despite these setbacks, they managed to equalize, putting pressure on Crystal Palace and creating a thrilling atmosphere for the fans. However, the team could not maintain their momentum, ultimately conceding the decisive goal in extra time.

Following the match, Adam Wharton expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s exciting. A quarter-final of a European competition, it’s a massive thing.” This sentiment reflects the importance of the victory for Crystal Palace, who have struggled during their maiden European campaign prior to this match.

What observers say

Glasner emphasized the significance of the win, noting, “We showed what we can do.” His comments highlight the team’s growth and potential as they prepare for the next stage of the tournament. The victory not only boosts the morale of the players but also reinforces the club’s ambitions on the European stage.

Looking ahead, Crystal Palace will face Fiorentina in the quarter-finals, with the first leg scheduled to take place at Selhurst Park on April 9, followed by the second leg on April 16. The final of the Europa Conference League is set for May 27 at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, where teams will vie for the coveted trophy.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming matches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Crystal Palace will perform against Fiorentina, a formidable opponent in their quest for European glory. The journey continues, and the stakes are higher than ever as they aim to make their mark in this prestigious competition.

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