Key Takeaways
- Crystal Palace face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final first leg in Krakow on Thursday evening
- Manager Oliver Glasner will leave at the end of the season and players are determined to win the competition as a farewell gift
- Shakhtar have lost only one match in their last 23 games and carry the emotional weight of representing a nation affected by war
Thousands of Crystal Palace supporters have made the journey to Poland this week. They hope to watch their team create history in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final. Around 6,000 fans will fill the stands in Krakow to cheer on the Eagles against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The match carries extra emotion because manager Oliver Glasner will step down this summer. The squad wants to give him the perfect send-off. They have already won the FA Cup and Community Shield under his guidance this season.
The road to this stage has been difficult. Crystal Palace enjoyed a club-record 19-match unbeaten run earlier in the campaign. However, they then sold captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City in January. This started a bad period where the team went 12 games without victory. There were also reports of tension between Glasner and the club board.
Glasner has played down any serious conflict with chairman Steve Parish. He explained that discussions are normal in football. He also praised his players for their hard work and positive attitude during training sessions.
The opponents will not be easy. Shakhtar Donetsk have only lost once in their last 23 matches in all competitions. They currently play their home games in Krakow because of the war in Ukraine. Their manager, Arda Turan, says the team represents the fighting spirit of their country.
Defender Tyrick Mitchell had fitness worries before the trip. However, he has travelled with the squad and is ready to play. He wants to win the trophy for Glasner. He says the manager shows huge dedication to the players every day.
The match takes place at Wisla Krakow’s stadium. The red and blue colours of the ground will make Palace feel at home. However, Shakhtar will receive strong backing from their exiled fans. Many Palace supporters have also bought tickets in the home sections to support their team.