Crystal Palace will compete against Shakhtar Donetsk in the semifinals of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League after the English side secured their spot by defeating Fiorentina. The aggregate score of their quarterfinal matchup was 4-2 in favor of Crystal Palace.
Shakhtar Donetsk was the first team to qualify for the semifinals, having triumphed over AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands with a total score of 5-2 across two matches. Their impressive performance in the quarterfinals has set them up for a challenging encounter against Crystal Palace.
The semifinal matchup was determined following the second leg between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina, where the English team entered the match with a 3-0 lead. Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr scored early, extending their aggregate lead to 4-0.
Despite a spirited effort from Fiorentina, which included a penalty converted by Albert Gudmundsson and a goal from Sher Ndur, Crystal Palace held on to secure their place in the next round.
In another quarterfinal matchup, Strasbourg staged a remarkable comeback against Mainz. After losing the first leg 0-2, Strasbourg equalized in the second leg with goals from Sébastien Nanasi and Abdoul Watarra before scoring two more in the second half, winning 4-0 on the night and advancing with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Meanwhile, AEK Athens faced Rayo Vallecano in a closely contested tie. After losing the first leg 0-3, AEK managed to level the aggregate score early in the second leg. However, Rayo Vallecano’s Isi Palazón scored the decisive goal, allowing the Spanish side to progress with a 4-3 aggregate score.
The results of the quarterfinals are as follows:
- AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) 2:2 (Aggregate: 2:5)
- Strasbourg (France) vs. Mainz (Germany) 4:0 (Aggregate: 4:2)
- Fiorentina (Italy) vs. Crystal Palace (England) 2:1 (Aggregate: 2:4)
- AEK Athens (Greece) vs. Rayo Vallecano (Spain) 3:1 (Aggregate: 3:4)
As a result, the semifinal pairings are set, with Shakhtar Donetsk facing Crystal Palace and Strasbourg taking on Rayo Vallecano. Shakhtar’s first leg against Crystal Palace is scheduled for April 30, with the return leg on May 7. The matches between Strasbourg and Rayo Vallecano will take place on May 1 and May 8, respectively.
Crystal Palace will meet Shakhtar Donetsk in the semifinals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, following their victory over Fiorentina. Strasbourg also advanced after a comeback against Mainz, while Rayo Vallecano edged past AEK Athens.