AFCON 2025
Crystal Palace are close to securing its first-ever European final after an impressive win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League match.
The Premier League side took their Ukrainian counterparts apart on the road with a 3-1 win.
Ismaila Sarr scored the fastest goal in the history of the competition as he put the Eagles ahead after 21 seconds.
The Africa Cup of Nations winner received a long pass from Jean-Philippe Marteta in the box, controlled it perfectly before firing the ball into the net.
Shaktar Donetsk got back into the game two minutes after the resumption of the second half as Oleg Ocherekto placed the ball into the back of the net from Kaua Elia’s headed pass from a corner.
Shahktar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk made two saves to deny Ismaila Sarr and Marteta from increasing the lead following the equaliser.
However, Riznyk had no response for Japanese midfielder, Daichi Kamada as he gave the Eagles the lead for the second time though a rebound.
Jorgen Strand-La4sen closed out the game for the visitors as he calmly controlled and overhit a pass from Kamada, cut through the defender before striking the ball past the goalkeeper.
Crystal Palace won 3-1 with the return fixture set for Selhurst Park next week as the Eagles look to seal their place in the final of the Conference League.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano take a slender advantage to France next week after a 1-0 win over Strasbourg in the other semi-finals.
Brazilian forward Alemao scored the only goal of the tie in the second half to give the La Liga side the victory ahead of the second leg.
