- Crystal Palace reach UEFA Conference League final
- The Eagles create history
- What UECL triumph would mean
Crystal Palace have made history after reaching the Conference League final. The South London side’s 2-1 semi-final victory over Shakhtar Donetsk secured their place among an elite group of English clubs.
During a difficult winter, no one would have expected such a fairytale ending to the campaign. UEFA’s ruling stripped the side of the Europa League spot earned through their FA Cup triumph and pushed them into the Conference League.
Oliver Glasner has created a winning mentality for the side, which is why the club has come so far. His side managed a 5-2 aggregate victory in the semi-final and face Rayo Vallecano in the final in Leipzig on May 27th.
At the moment, all of Glasner’s players’ confidence is sky high. They continue to write their names in one of the greatest periods the club has ever seen.
Palace Make History
According to Opta, the Eagles have become just the third English club to reach a European final in their debut season. In just two years, Glasner has elevated the club to new heights of success.
West Ham United became the first English side to reach the 1964-65 Cup Winners’ Cup final, before Newcastle United followed by reaching the 1968-69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final.
Glasner has already explained how eager his troops are to win the competition. He said ahead of the win at Selhurst Park on Thursday:
“They [Crystal Palace fans and players] tasted the honey last year with the FA Cup and this year with the Conference League, and they want honey again, they won’t be happy with just avocado, they want it a bit sweeter.”
Palace still have four league games to deal with, including today’s encounter with Everton. But all eyes are on the trip to Leipzig, where Glasner can leave with another major trophy to his name.
Dreaming of Conference League Triumph
Glasner has grown a reputation for knowing how to navigate the business end. Though Palace were one of the favourites, he guided the team to a European final for the first time.
From tasting European nights at Selhurst Park, he could gift the side a Europa League campaign before parting ways. The season began by losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, followed by multiple injuries that shook the campaign.
But the Austrian took up the challenge and led the team to the promised land. Palace supporters have been given the privilege to dream, thanks to the boss. Now the side will look to beat Rayo in Germany on May 27th, in one of the most important 90 minutes in the club’s history.
