Crystal Palace enter the Conference League semi-final second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk with a 3-1 advantage and growing belief, as Oliver Glasner insists the team understand the task at Selhurst Park and feel ready to claim a first European final spot in the club’s history.

The first leg in Ukraine saw Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen score for the Premier League side, giving Palace a two-goal cushion, while Shakhtar now need to overturn that margin away from home to reach another major European showpiece.

Glasner pointed to Palace’s form in this season’s Conference League at Selhurst Park, where the team are unbeaten in five home fixtures, with three wins and two draws, and notably have not conceded a goal in any of their three knockout matches played in south London.

That defensive strength feeds into Glasner’s belief that the situation is clear for the squad. “I told the players the best thing is we know what to do. We don’t need to change a lot. It’s really about playing on our best level.”

Glasner stressed that Shakhtar still present a serious test despite the deficit. “We could see how good Shakhtar is. Quick players, good dribblers,” said the Palace boss. “We will need another great performance. But of course we play the game with a lot of confidence.”

The coach expects the Selhurst Park crowd to play a central role, just as in the previous Conference League tie. “At Selhurst we know we will have a lot of fantastic support from our fans. We could feel it against Fiorentina and believe it will be even more electric.”

Palace’s progress has also been driven by Kamada’s influence. The midfielder scored and assisted in the first leg, becoming the fourth Japanese player on record to achieve both in one major European knockout stage match, after Keisuke Honda in 2010, Shinji Kagawa in 2017 and Yuito Suzuki in 2026.

While Palace chase a first appearance in a European final, Shakhtar have previous experience on this stage, having lifted the 2008-09 UEFA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen, so the visitors arrive knowing what is required in high-pressure continental knockout games.

Glasner underlined how much personal energy this Conference League run still gives. “If I’m not excited for a game like this, it would be the wrong job for me. We love to be involved. If you lose this excitement, it would be a clear sign to retire.”

The Palace manager also praised the squad’s development across the campaign. “I told the players today that I am really enjoying being part of this incredible group. What they have done for Crystal Palace is incredible. I can’t mention it often enough.” With a 3-1 lead, Palace stand close to a landmark European final.