Coach Oliver Glasner is only one step away from the next exhilarating cup triumph. With Crystal Palace, the 51-year-old Austrian prevailed after a 2-1 (1-1) win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-final second leg of the Conference League. In the final in Leipzig, the English, who are looking for their first European title in the club’s 120-year history, will face Rayo Vallecano.
After the coup in the 2022 Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, the sensational success in the FA Cup last year with Palace and the Community Shield win, Glasner is looking forward to his fourth trophy in four years.
With the 3-1 win in the first leg, the Eagles had a comfortable lead. After a goal from Yeremy Pino was disallowed, the hosts took the lead with an own goal from Shakhtar defender Pedro Henrique (25th). The remarkable equalizer by Eguinaldo (35th) was countered by Ismaila Sarr (52nd).
For Glasner, the title would be the culmination of a successful, but not entirely smooth, time on the sidelines of the Premier League club. In January, Glasner announced his departure in the summer and settled accounts with the club management.
Final opponent Rayo Vallecano prevailed against Racing Strasbourg at the same time. After the 1-0 win in the first leg, the Spaniards won 1-0 away – and at the same time secured La Liga’s fifth place in the Champions League.