- Tyrick Mitchell on Crystal Palace making Conference League final
- Highlights the Eagles’ journey
- Insists FA Cup experience can help them win the trophy
Tyrick Mitchell was ecstatic after Crystal Palace booked their place in the UEFA Conference League final. Oliver Glasner’s side beat Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 (5-2 on aggregate) on another memorable night at Selhurst Park.
Daniel Munoz forced the opener with a cross that Pedrinho deflected into his own net. But the visitors did level when Eguinaldo’s fine strike gave Dean Henderson no chance.
Ismaila Sarr bagged the winner, taking his tally for the season to 19 goals in 40 games across competitions. The Senegalese winger is now leading the Conference League goalscoring charts with nine goals in 12 outings.
Palace face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the final after they beat Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final. Inigo Perez’s men are the only obstacle in Glasner’s way as he bids to become the first Eagles boss to guide the team to a major European trophy.
Mitchell on ‘Amazing’ Conference League Journey
Mitchell has played a key part in the journey to the final and was Read Crystal Palace‘s man of the match last night. He spoke to TNT Sports after the history-making victory:
“It’s amazing. It’s from August what we set out to do and it’s amazing that we are able to achieve it and hopefully we can go all the way.”
The English left-wing-back touched on the special bond between the players:
“We’re a big family and it shows on the pitch. In training, in the changing rooms, everyone’s happy every day. You play football for the trophies and the fans so it’s amazing that we get another chance to go to a final and win another trophy.“
Asked where last night ranks from his time playing for the South London outfit he responded:
“Right now it’s still second to the FA Cup. If we go on and win it it might take first.”
Mitchell has been with Palace since the summer of 2016, when he arrived from Brentford as an academy prospect. He’s been through highs and lows and become the club’s longest serving player, making his 239th appearance last night.
‘Prepared and Ready’
Palace know how to get the job done in a major final after winning the FA Cup last season. The Eagles beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley and even prevailed over Liverpool in the Community Shield in this campaign’s curtain raiser.
Mitchell was asked whether such experience could help get Glasner’s troops over the line in Leipzig:
“Definitely, from last year in the FA Cup, every game is a knockout game basically. We’ve shown what we’re capable of and this is another one in the final it’s whoever wins takes it all. I feel like we are prepared and ready.”
Palace still have four games remaining in the Premier League before they jet off to Germany for the final. First up is Everton’s visit to Selhurst Park on Sunday.
