Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Crystal Palace scored just 21 seconds into their UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, with Ismaïla Sarr finishing a move set up by Jean-Philippe Mateta. This goal set a new competition record for fastest goal. Shakhtar then regained composure, dominating the first half with 67% possession, and equalized shortly after halftime when Oleh Ocheretko scored from a corner delivery.
After the equalizer, Crystal Palace responded strongly. Goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk made a crucial double save in the 54th minute, denying Sarr and Mateta. Continued pressure led to Daichi Kamada restoring Palace's lead after a long throw-in by Chris Richards.
Late in the match, substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen made it 3-1 with a composed finish, giving Crystal Palace a two-goal lead ahead of the second leg. Palace coach Oliver Glasner praised his team's response and the impact of the substitutes, while Shakhtar coach Arda Turan called the result disappointing but acknowledged competitive phases against a strong opponent.