Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Crystal Palace will host Shakhtar Donetsk in the return leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final at Selhurst Park, London, on Thursday, May 7 at 21:00 CET. The English side leads 3-1 from the first leg after a solid defensive display and clinical finishing secured their advantage away from home.
Palace's home form in the Conference League includes three wins, two draws, and one defeat, while the team remains unbeaten in its last seven home matches across all competitions. Manager Oliver Glasner emphasized the need for an improved performance to reach the final: "[The first-leg win is] just the first step. I believe we have to perform even better at home to go to the final".
Shakhtar Donetsk has yet to win in England in 10 attempts but remains unbeaten in five away games during this Conference League campaign, winning four and drawing one. Coach Arda Turan remains committed to the challenge, saying there is "no word for giving up in my dictionary – we will do our best in the second leg and let's see what happens".
Players from both squads conveyed their readiness. Palace forward Jørgen Strand Larsen expressed cautious optimism, while Shakhtar midfielder Oleh Ocheretko highlighted his team's preparations and stressed that the first leg is not the conclusion of the tie.