Many baulked at the £48million club-record fee Crystal Palace paid for Jorgen Strand Larsen in the winter window, but the Norwegian silenced his doubters on Thursday night with a crucial late goal that put his side on course for the Conference League final.
As Strand Larsen raced through in the dying embers of the game after being released by the exemplary Daichi Kamada, there was a sense that what happened next could be decisive in this tie.
He proved to be the coolest head in the stadium, taking an extra touch before delicately chipping Dmytro Riznyk to send the travelling fans into raptures and give the Eagles a 3-1 first leg advantage over Shakhtar Donetsk, who were impressive despite the obstacles they continue to face amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Earlier, Kamada had chosen the perfect moment to end his 18-month goal drought, restoring Palace’s lead after Oleh Ocheretko cancelled out Ismaila Sarr’s rapid opener.
Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have become adept at navigating knockout ties, and they drew on all of that experience here, combining a relentless work-rate with solid defending and incisive counter-attacking quality.
‘I’m very happy with the performance,’ the Austrian said post-match. ‘You could see how good Shakhtar were.
Crystal Palace have one foot in the Conference League final after a 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk
Jorgen Strand Larsen netted Palace’s third goal to give them a crucial two-goal advantage
‘Credit to the players, they stuck to the plan and worked hard in defence. But it is just the first step because I believe we have to perform even better at home to go to Leipzig for the final. It is a nice half-time lead but not more.’
There has been a growing sense throughout Palace’s Conference League campaign that they will improve as the competition progresses when they come up against more established teams who look to attack them, a style Shakhtar appeared to play into.
Yet before there was time to consider that theory, Sarr had them ahead within 21 seconds, the fastest goal in Conference League history.
Maxence Lacroix won the initial header from Shakhtar’s clearance following kick-off, and Jean-Philippe Mateta combined neatly with Yeremy Pino before slipping in Sarr.
The forward finished well, taking his tally to eight goals in Europe and 18 in all competitions this season, further strengthening the argument that he is a modern-day Palace great.
Shakhtar, who have been forced to stage their European home games in Krakow this season, gradually asserted control and demonstrated why they have been such formidable opponents in this competition.
Draped in Ukrainian flags before the game began, they dominated possession, although Palace remained resolute and disciplined.
It was then the Eagles’ turn to start a half poorly when they switched off at a corner and Ocheretko finished from close range, minutes into the second half.
Palace nearly responded immediately, but Riznyk denied both Sarr and Mateta, the latter also striking the post.
Ismaila Sarr put his side ahead after 21 seconds, the fastest goal in Conference League history
Oleh Ocheretko equalised early in the second half after some poor defending from the Eagles
Daichi Kamada restored Palace’s lead as he scored his first goal since October 2024
It was Kamada who ultimately made the difference. His previous Palace goal had come in an EFL Cup win over Aston Villa in October 2024 – at a time where Palace seemed a world away from a European final and the two trophies they won in 2025 – but he stepped up this time as he reacted quickest to a loose ball from Chris Richards’ long-throw and finished through Riznyk’s legs.
Among all the praise that Palace have received over the past year, some players have been singled out more than others, and Kamada firmly falls within the underrated bracket.
His dominant performance alongside Adam Wharton here contributed to one of the club’s most significant victories in recent history.
‘I was really impressed with the reaction when we conceded,’ Glasner added. ‘This is an amazing group of men and characters.
‘It is what we have created over months and years. They have such a great spirit and togetherness, and we always believe in ourselves that we can come back and score.’
Palace’s route to this stage of the competition has been anything but straightforward, but they once again demonstrated the traits that Glasner has instilled in them to close out the game after Strand Larsen’s finish to take a crucial two-goal lead into the second leg.
‘To come in and score a goal is an amazing feeling,’ Strand Larsen said. ‘We’re really happy with this win and hopefully we can smash it next Thursday and go through.’
