The UEFA Conference League has taken the Eagles across borders, atmospheres and challenges across the continent: from debut nights under the Selhurst Park lights, to lengthy away trips in Eastern Europe, and from late twists in Cyprus, to statement victories against established continental opposition.

It has been a journey to remember for Oliver Glasner’s side – and there could yet be one fantastic final chapter...

Ahead of the UEFA Conference League Final against Rayo Vallecano at the Leipzig Stadium on Wednesday night (20:00 BST / 21:00 CEST), we look back at the road that brought the Eagles to the brink of European glory.

Visit our Conference League Final Hub

### Play-off round: Fredrikstad (1-0 home, 0–0 away, 1–0 agg.)

Palace’s European journey began even before the league phase came into view, with a play-off tie standing between them and the competition proper.

Selhurst Park hosted the first leg of a continental fixture for the first time, the occasion arriving wrapped in anticipation as supporters witnessed a new chapter begin.

**First leg: Palace 1–0 Fredrikstad**

Against Norwegian Cup winners Fredrikstad – who had been beaten 5–1 on aggregate by Midtjylland in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds before entering the Conference League via UEFA’s competition structure – the Eagles recorded a historic first win.

Shortly after the interval, Jean-Philippe Mateta etched his name into club history, scoring Palace’s first-ever European goal as he reacted sharply to meet a Will Hughes effort and power a header beyond the 'keeper.

It was a moment that felt less like an opener and more like a release of expectation, immediately setting the tone for a controlled first-leg victory.

**Second leg: Fredrikstad 0–0 Palace (0–1 agg.)**

The return leg in Norway was a more restrained affair, played on a difficult surface against a side determined to disrupt rhythm and frustrate at every turn. Palace approached it with patience and discipline, limiting Fredrikstad’s openings and remaining organised. 

The match finished goalless, but the job had already been done. A 1–0 aggregate victory secured progression into the league phase and, with it, the club’s first-ever entry into a major European competition proper.

### League Phase: A first taste of Europe

### Matchday One: Dynamo Kyiv (0–2)

Palace’s first-ever match in a major European competition proper saw the Eagles announce themselves on the continental stage in style.

Travelling to Lublin, Poland, to face Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kyiv – unbeaten domestically in 39 matches and carrying significant European pedigree – the occasion carried immediate weight.

Any early nerves were quickly settled as Palace grew into the contest and began to control midfield phases, with Yeremy Pino central to much of their attacking rhythm and instrumental in both goals.

Shortly after half-time, Daniel Muñoz arrived at the back post to meet Pino’s lofted delivery from the left channel, guiding a looping header beyond the 'keeper to open the scoring.

The second arrived on the hour mark when Pino’s trickery beat his marker, with Eddie Nketiah reacting sharply inside the area to finish his resulting low cross at the near post after another incisive attacking move.

Even after finishing the match with 10 men, Palace had by and large controlled proceedings, delivering a composed and authoritative performance that marked a significant arrival on the European stage.

The road to Europe had been long and winding, but 164 years after the club’s foundations were first laid in South London, the Eagles were finally competing on the continent – and they made an immediate statement.

Off the mark in the Conference League, off the mark in Europe, and continuing a remarkable unbeaten run through 2025 that saw them go one game away from a half-calendar year unbeaten – as well as set a club-record 19 consecutive games without defeat – Palace marked their continental arrival in emphatic fashion!

### Matchday Two: AEK Larnaca (0–1)

Selhurst Park’s first night in the league phase of the Conference League brought a different kind of challenge against AEK Larnaca, the Cypriot Cup holders sitting fifth domestically and renowned for their compact defensive organisation.

From the outset, Palace dominated possession and territory, but Larnaca remained disciplined and narrow, consistently reducing space between the lines and slowing the tempo whenever the hosts attempted to build momentum.

Chances still arrived, with Mateta, Nketiah and Muñoz all going close as Palace probed repeatedly for an opening. 

However, the breakthrough never came, and the decisive moment instead fell to the visitors just after half-time when Riad Bajić produced a sucker punch, smashing a powerful first-time finish into the roof of the net from just inside the area.

It proved to be a classic smash-and-grab European performance from Larnaca, who defended their advantage with resilience and game management to see out the result.

For Palace, it was a first defeat of the campaign and only the fourth time all season they had failed to score – a historic but frustrating night all the same, and another valuable lesson in their European education that would be heeded later in the competition...

### Matchday Three: AZ Alkmaar (3–1)

The response at Selhurst Park was immediate against AZ Alkmaar, who arrived in strong domestic form as Dutch Cup finalists the previous season and having won their previous five matches in all competitions.

As in their previous home European fixture, Palace created a number of chances in front of the Selhurst crowd, including Mateta’s first-half penalty on 16 minutes, which was saved. This time, however, they were able to turn pressure into goals.

After a sustained spell of dominance, a Jefferson Lerma long throw was only half-cleared, and Tyrick Mitchell looped a header back into the box from near the halfway line. Marc Guéhi and Mateta kept the move alive, with the loose ball falling to Maxence Lacroix, who thundered a half-volley into the bottom-left corner to give Palace a deserved lead.

Ismaïla Sarr then took control of the contest, reacting quickest inside the box on the stroke of half-time to convert from close range.

AZ remained a threat, however, and after Kees Smit had earlier gone close with a powerful effort, they pulled one back on 54 minutes to briefly shift momentum. But as this Palace side have shown at Selhurst Park, the response after conceding is often decisive.

Within moments of the restart, Mateta brought down a loose ball and slipped in Sarr, who burst from deep, outpaced the covering defender, and calmly finished beyond Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.

AZ continued to press in a second half disrupted by VAR checks and shifting momentum, but Palace managed key moments with control to secure a 3–1 victory – their first home win in a major European competition proper!

### Matchday Four: RC Strasbourg (2–1)

A trip to eastern France brought a European setback for Palace, as a second-half fightback from RC Strasbourg ended the Eagles’ five-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Mitchell had given Palace the lead in the 35th minute with an excellent drilled finish after a well-worked move down the left-hand side.

However, Strasbourg turned the match after the break. Habib Diarra levelled before Emanuel Emegha completed the turnaround from close range following sustained pressure inside the box.

Palace had created wave after wave of chances to extend their advantage but were ultimately punished for missed opportunities, as Strasbourg’s efficiency proved decisive.

The defeat left Palace 18th in the league phase of the Conference League, with two league phase games left to play on the road to Leipzig...

### Matchday five: Shelbourne (3–0)

Two weeks on, Palace returned to European action with the club’s first-ever competitive trip to Ireland, delivering an assured display at Tallaght Stadium against League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne.

Palace made a flying start and took full control inside the opening 45 minutes. Christantus Uche opened the scoring on 10 minutes, converting Nketiah’s pull-back, before Nketiah himself doubled the lead midway through the half after reacting quickest to turn home Uche’s effort off the post. 

Yeremy Pino added a third before the break, finishing a low drive into the far corner to put Palace firmly in command.

After the interval, Palace went close to extending their lead, with Chris Richards seeing a header graze the post and Romain Esse somehow denied by both uprights.

Shelbourne pushed forward with greater intent in the closing stages, but were comfortably contained by a disciplined Palace back line, with Walter Benítez producing a sharp late stop to deny Daniel Kelly.

There was still a moment of real pride on 82 minutes, as 17-year-old striker Benji Casey – who had scored 15 goals in 20 appearances at Academy level at that stage of the season – came off the bench to make his senior debut on the European stage.

Make no mistake, this was a controlled and professional away performance from Palace, with the result lifting the Eagles up to ninth in the league phase of the Conference League and firmly back in contention for the knockout places.

### Matchday Six: KuPS (2–2)

The final league phase match brought full rotation and opportunity, with Palace naming a completely changed XI for the visit of Finnish champions KuPS Kuopio.

The side included four academy graduates from the outset, with George King, Dean Benamar and Joel Drakes-Thomas all making senior debuts. Kaden Rodney also featured as part of the youthful XI – the club’s youngest since 1982.

Palace started brightly and took control inside five minutes through Uche, who bent a superb long-range effort beyond the goalkeeper and into the far corner on his first Selhurst Park start.

KuPS responded after the break, striking twice in quick succession through Piotr Parzyszek and Ibrahim Cissé to turn the game on its head. A second Parzyszek effort was later ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

Palace hit back after Clinton Antwi was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, with Justin Devenny heading home moments later to restore parity.

The match ended level, and with Palace finishing 10th in the league phase with 10 points from six matches, the Eagles were subsequently required to navigate a two-legged knockout play-off to reach the round of 16.

### Knockout play-off: HŠK Zrinjski Mostar (1–1 away, 2–0 home, 3–1 agg.)

Palace were drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina side HŠK Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Conference League play-off.

**First leg: Zrinjski Mostar 1–1 Palace**

In a physically demanding encounter in Bosnia, Palace enjoyed long spells of possession and struck first just before half-time, as Ismaïla Sarr finished smartly from close range after good work from Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Zrinjski, however, responded after the break. Karlo Abramović capitalised on a swift counter-attack to level the contest, ensuring the tie remained finely poised heading into the return leg at Selhurst Park – with everything still to play for.

**Second leg: Palace 2–0 Zrinjski (3–1 agg.)**

Back at Selhurst Park however, Palace certainly rose to the occasion.

The Eagles dominated the ball from the outset but were made to work for the breakthrough, with Zrinjski proving organised and resilient under pressure.

Maxence Lacroix eventually broke the deadlock at a key moment, powering in a header from Adam Wharton’s free-kick to swing the tie firmly in Palace’s favour just before half-time.

The visitors were kept at arm’s length thereafter, and deep into stoppage time Evann Guessand sealed progression, driving a low finish beyond the 'keeper to spark celebrations in SE25.

### Round of 16: AEK Larnaca (0–0 home, 2–1 away a.e.t., 2–1 agg.)

**First leg: Palace 0-0 AEK Larnaca** 

Another testing tie with the steely Cypriots – who at that point had conceded just once in six matches – saw Palace left frustrated at Selhurst Park once again, despite an improved performance.

A flurry of first-half chances early chances paved way at that point for a flatter contest, Palace dominating possession – and all the attacking statistics, in truth – but unable to find a consistent way through the Yellow-Greens’ steely low block.

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 0-0 AEK Larnaca

**Second leg: AEK Larnaca 1-2 Palace (a.e.t., 1-1 90 mins)**

A true European epic night, as our super Sarr struck twice to defeat a resilient opposition in Cyprus.

Sarr – ever-involved throughout – put Palace ahead inside quarter-of-an-hour with a clinical finish from Adam Wharton’s clipped pass, only the second goal Larnaca had conceded in the competition this season.

The hosts did equalise in the second-half when Enric Saborit powered home a bullet header, 10 minutes before being sent off for a second bookable offence.

Despite their dominance, Palace were unable to breach Larnaca’s defence again inside 90 minutes, but did restore their advantage early in extra-time – Sarr slamming home again from close range.

There was a frantic finale as Petros Ioannou was shown a straight red for a high challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Sarr hit the woodwork for a second time on the night, with Jørgen Strand Larsen also doing so.

But eventually, the Eagles progressed in typically dramatic fashion, as the European adventure continued.

Match Highlights | AEK Larnaca 1-2 Crystal Palace | UEFA Conference League

### Quarter-final: Fiorentina (3–0 home, 2–1 away, 5–1 agg.)

**First leg: Palace 3-0 Fiorentina** 

Against a Fiorentina side with significant European pedigree – having reached two finals and a semi-final in the previous three editions of the competition – Palace produced arguably their most complete performance of the campaign.

Selhurst Park once again provided the stage for a major European night, with a rapturous atmosphere setting the tone from the outset as the Eagles took control of the first leg in commanding fashion.

Palace struck early through Mateta, who converted from the penalty spot after Evann Guessand was fouled inside the box. Mitchell then reacted quickest to a rebound after Mateta’s close-range effort was saved by David de Gea, doubling the lead before half-time.

The rhythm remained firmly with Palace throughout, with Fiorentina only briefly threatening when Giovanni Fabbian struck the crossbar...

Sarr added a third in stoppage time, powering a downward header from Daichi Kamada’s cross to complete a statement first-leg performance, with a three-goal advantage to take to Florence.

**Second leg: Fiorentina 2–1 Palace (2–4 agg.)**

Palace were UEFA Conference League semi-finalists.

That was the only headline that mattered in Florence, as a 2–1 defeat on the night was enough to see the Eagles progress 4–2 on aggregate after a fiercely contested quarter-final.

Sarr struck early with a powerful header to extend Palace’s aggregate cushion and further tilt the tie in their favour, even as Fiorentina pushed with intent in front of their home crowd.

The hosts responded either side of the break, but Palace showed discipline, structure and control in key moments to manage the tie and book their place in the semi-finals – a landmark European achievement!

### Semi-final: Shakhtar Donetsk (1–3 away, 2–1 home, 5–2 agg.)

###### **First leg: Shakhtar Donetsk 1–3 Palace**

By the semi-final stage, Palace were no longer outsiders, in either spirit or performance.

In Krakow, they struck inside 21 seconds when Sarr swept home from Mateta’s pass – the fastest goal in UEFA Conference League history – immediately setting the tone for a high-tempo, fully committed first leg.

An absorbing contest followed, with both sides trading momentum in front of a near 30,000-strong crowd. Shakhtar responded early in the second half through Oleh Ocheretko, who stabbed home from a corner to level the first leg.

But Palace answered with authority. Kamada restored the lead by smashing home a loose ball inside the area, before later turning provider as he slipped in Jørgen Strand Larsen, who finished off a fine counter-attack with composure to complete a 3–1 advantage.

It was a statement away performance – and one that sent Palace back to Selhurst Park in control of the tie.

###### **Second leg: Palace 2–1 Shakhtar Donetsk**

With Selhurst Park in full voice and a two-goal aggregate cushion behind them, Palace returned home with history within reach.

Muñoz made the breakthrough in the first half, his effort deflecting in off Pedro Henrique to further extend Palace’s grip on the tie and ignite the stadium.

Shakhtar, though, responded with quality as Eguinaldo produced a superb finish from the edge of the box to level on the night and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.

But early in the second half, Palace struck the decisive blow. Mitchell’s low delivery was turned home by Sarr – his ninth Conference League goal of the season – effectively ending the contest.

From there, Selhurst Park roared the team through the closing stages. Every minute edged closer to history, every touch met with belief, until the final whistle confirmed it.

And then came the moment that echoed across SE25: **We’re going to Leipzig!**

## The Road to Leipzig

Recap our full Road to Leipzig by clicking the links below!:

#### Play-offs

- **Qualifying Play-offs, first leg: [Palace 1-0 Fredrikstad](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-crystal-palace-v-fredrikstad/) (21st August)**
- **Qualifying Play-offs, second leg: [Fredrikstad 0-0 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-fredrikstad-crystal-palace-august-2025/) (28th August)**

#### League Phase

- **Matchday One: [Dynamo Kyiv 0-2 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/live-blog-report-highlights-dynamo-kyiv-crystal-palace/) (2nd October)**
- **Matchday Two: [Palace 0-1 AEK Larnaca](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-reports-highlights-crystal-palace-aek-larnaca-october-2025/) (23rd October)**
- **Matchday Three: [Palace 3-1 AZ Alkmaar](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-crystal-palace-az-alkmaar-november-2025/) (6th November)**
- **Matchday Four: [Strasbourg 2-1 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-strasbourg-crystal-palace-november-2025/) (27th November)**
- **Matchday Five: [Shelbourne 0-3 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-report-highlights-crystal-palace-shelbourne-2025/) (11th December)**
- **Matchday Six: [Palace 2-2 KuPS](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-report-highlights-crystal-palace-kups-kuopio-december-2025/) (18th December)**

### Knockout rounds

- **Play-off round, first leg: [Zrinjski Mostar 1-1 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-zrinjski-mostar-crystal-palace-february-2026/) (19th February)**
- **Play-off round, second leg: [Palace 2-0 Zrinjski Mostar](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-palace-v-zrinjski-mostar-match-report-highlights/) (2-0 agg., 26th February)**
- **Round of 16, first leg: [Palace 0-0 AEK Larnaca](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-crystal-palace-aek-larnaca-march-2026/) (12th March)**
- **Round of 16, second leg: [AEK Larnaca 1-2 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-larnaca-crystal-palace-march-2026/) (2-1 agg. a.e.t., 19th March)**
- **Quarter-final, first leg: [Palace 3-0 Fiorentina](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-highlights-report-crystal-palace-v-fiorentina-first-leg/) (9th April)**
- **Quarter-final, second leg: [Fiorentina 2-1 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-fiorentina-crystal-palace-april-2026/) (4-2 agg., 16th April)**
- **Semi-final, first leg: [Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Palace](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-blog-match-report-highlights-shakhtar-donetsk-crystal-palace-april-2026-conference-league/) (30th April)**
- **Semi-final, second leg: [Palace 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/live-updates-highlights-report-palace-v-shakhtar-conference-league/) (5-2 agg., 7th May)**

### 2026 UEFA Conference League Final

**Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano**

- Wednesday, 27th May
- 21:00 CEST local time / 20:00 BST
- Leipzig Arena, Germany

Visit our European Final Hub

In their first-ever European campaign, Crystal Palace have written a new chapter in the club’s history books – and now stand just one match away from crowning it on the biggest stage of all...

On our way! The Road to Leipzig: Recapped

Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano (2026-05-27)

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Get your Season Ticket here!

After a stunning run of form, where the team won 12 of the last 14 league games, Jo Potter’s side have returned to the WSL at the first time of asking.

Season Tickets are now on general sale, and you can secure your spot for the season from just £50!

Palace fans can now look forward to the visits of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others to South London, as the Eagles take on the best of the best.

A 26/27 Women’s Season Ticket covers all 13 home Women’s Super League games, regardless of stadium – meaning any matches at Selhurst Park are also included.

*Supporters should note that Subway Women’s League Cup and FA Cup ties are not covered by 26/27 Season Tickets.*

#### **What does a 2026/27 Women’s Season Ticket include?**

- Ticket for every WSL home fixture
- Priority booking / reservations for every Palace Women fixture at Selhurst Park
- Priority windows for away tickets
- Loyalty Points credited with your purchase
- The option to spread payments via Direct Debit

#### **Ticket Prices**

Seated Season Tickets will cost **£125** and Standing Season Tickets will cost **£90**.

Tickets for Men’s Season Ticket Holders are priced at **£88**, with Junior Tickets priced at **£50**.

Season Tickets are now on general sale and will remain on-sale until the week of our first home game in the WSL.

#### **26/27 Palace Women’s Season Ticket prices:**

- **Adult (Seated):** £125 
- **Adult (Standing):** £90
- **Men’s Season Ticket Holders:** £88
- **U16s:** £50

**Check out the table below for more information.**


| **NEW (From 10:00 Fri 22nd May)**               | **Season Ticket Price** | **Price per Game** |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------ |
| Adult - Seated                                  | £125                    | £9.62              |
| Adult - Standing                                | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Junior (U16)                                    | £50                     | £3.85              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Seated         | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Standing       | £70                     | £5.38              |
| Men’s Season Ticket Holder (Seated or Standing) | £88                     | £6.77              |

Buy your Season Ticket here!

#### **How to buy your ticket**

You can get your 2026/27 Season Ticket by following the step-by-step guide below:

1. Log in to [the Ticketing section](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WebsiteStory-StockportTickets-12.12.24) of the website.
2. Navigate to the [Season Tickets section](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Seasons/Seasons).
3. Click the **‘MORE INFO' button** in the **2026/27 Women's Season Ticket section.**
4. Select your seats for the season.
5. Click **‘ADD TO BASKET’** in the top-right of the screen and then follow the remaining on-screen instructions to checkout.

#### **Receiving Your Match Tickets**

Your digital ticket for each home fixture will arrive no later than **72 hours before kick-off**.

For matches played at Selhurst Park, Season Ticket holders must book a seat of their choice, free of charge, during the priority window. We’ll email you full instructions ahead of each game.

#### **Need Help?**

Our Box Office team is here to assist with new purchases, Direct Debit set-up, and accessibility requirements. 

Call [**0333 360 1861**] (Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:30pm) or email **[boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk](mailto:boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk)**.

Back the Eagles in their return to the WSL – Season Tickets are now on general sale for Crystal Palace Women’s return to the top-flight.

2026/27 Palace Women's Season Tickets are now on General Sale!

Portsmouth Women

Women's Super League 2

Crystal Palace Women

Crystal Palace have reached the UEFA Conference League Final, where they will face Rayo Vallecano at the Leipzig Stadium. Find out how to be a part of it.

On our way!

## Our Senegalese Sarr

> Ismaïla Sarr became the club’s third signing of the 2024/25 summer transfer window after joining on a five-year deal from Olympique de Marseille.

The 26-year-old attacker possesses plenty of experience of English football, having spent four years at Watford – recording 34 goals and 22 assists in 131 games – prior to joining Marseille, whom he helped reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season.

Sarr's career began in French football with Metz, before moving to Rennes and leading the club into Europe, as well as winning their first Coupe de France in almost half a century.

At international level, he has been a mainstay of the Senegal national side, earning 64 caps, scoring 13 goals and winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

His career has also been defined by his eye for the spectacular, having won Goal of the Season awards in both the Football League and the Europa League.

Sarr was ever-present in every Premier League matchday squad in his first season at the club, playing in all 38 games, while also featuring in a further nine cup games. He scored 11 goals across all competitions, with eight additional assists - including a stunning effort against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and a brace against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final.

2022/23, Watford (v West Bromwich Albion)

EFL Goal of the Season

Watford, 2020/21

Player of the Season

Players' Player of the Season

2018/19, Rennes (v Jablonec)

UEFA Europa League Goal of the Season

December 2024

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

Sarr

Instagram

Appearances

Goals

Top Goals from Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

Extended Highlights: Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

The Full 90: Brentford v Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Match Action: Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

Goal of the Season Contenders 25/26

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v Everton | Palace TV+

Match Action: Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton

Extended Highlights: Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton | Palace TV+

Match Action: Crystal Palace 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

Lacroix and Sarr on reaching a European Final

Match Action: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Crystal Palace

Match Action: Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace

Match Action: Crystal Palace 3-0 Fiorentina

Goal AND Player of the Month: Ismaïla Sarr

Goal of the Month contenders: March 2026

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Minutes

Attempted passes

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Palace in Europe - Shop the Collection

Oliver Glasner’s history makers have travelled far and wide this season, playing in front of supporters across the globe – including three **[international Supporters Clubs](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/international-supporters-clubs/)** across Europe: **[the Austrian Eagles welcomed](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/club/from-vienna-to-selhurst-the-story-of-the-austrian-eagles/)** their compatriot Glasner and his players in pre-season; **[CPFC Norway were there](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/features/crystal-palace-norway-supporters-club-worlds-longest-running-publication/)** for a historic night in Fredrikstad in August; and **[CPFC Polska have twice been able to host](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/club/cpfc-polska-how-south-london-and-proud-reached-poland/)** Palace on the road to Leipzig.

Now, with Palace fans flocking to Saxony, it is the turn of our German-based supporters, with **Chris** telling us his, and his group's, fantastic CPFC story...

It felt real. Honest. Working class. Proper football

When I was a young boy, my father said to me: 'listen here my son, we are Borussia Mönchengladbach.' 

Well… sort of.

Growing up in a football-mad German family, I quickly decided my real club would be my hometown side, MSV Duisburg. We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs over the years – now sitting in League One – but supporting your local club teaches you loyalty very quickly.

I’m from the west of Germany, close to Düsseldorf, Cologne and the Dutch border. Duisburg is an old coal-and-steel city, very working class, very football obsessed. And in many ways, that’s exactly why Crystal Palace immediately felt familiar to me.

People always ask: “Why Palace?” Honestly, I believe clubs choose their supporters – not the other way around.

My Palace story started back in 2013. During my apprenticeship, I spent three weeks in London on a study course and decided I wanted to experience football in the “motherland” of the game. 

Back then in Germany, English football still had this stereotype that the stadiums were quiet and polite – basically libraries with grass. I wanted to see for myself.

I checked the fixtures and found this London club I’d barely heard of: Crystal Palace were playing Leeds United in the Championship on 9th March 2013.

I travelled down to SE25 with absolutely no expectations… and completely fell in love with the place.

Croydon instantly reminded me of home. It wasn’t shiny tourist-postcard London – it felt real. Honest. Working class. Proper football. Sitting in the old wooden Main Stand, hearing the noise, feeling the atmosphere, and then watching Glenn Murray launch himself into the crowd after scoring… that was it for me. I remember thinking: “This is different. This is proper.”

From that moment on, Palace had me.

A few months later, while working as a sports instructor in Mallorca, I watched the play-off semi-finals with a group of English lads in a bar in Cala Bona. For the play-off final, I actually had to sneak away from my hotel shift just to watch the game. Priorities.

Back in Germany, I started telling friends and family about this incredible club in South London. Soon my dad and I were making regular trips over to Selhurst Park, bringing different groups of mates along each time – and every single person came back wanting more.

That eventually led to the creation of the German Eagles in 2018.

We started as six friends making regular trips to SE25 a few times a year and thought: why not make it official? Today we’re nine members strong, all based around Duisburg, all supporting different German clubs domestically, but united by the famous red and blue.

Even now, after following Palace for more than 12 years, I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad experience with another Palace fan. That says everything about the club and the people around it.

The best example of that came at the 2016 FA Cup Final.

At the time, I was studying in Plymouth and managed to get a ticket through my membership. My dad desperately wanted to come too – watching an FA Cup Final together had actually been on a bucket list we wrote when I was about 10 years old – but we couldn’t find him a ticket beforehand.

So we travelled to Wembley anyway, hoping for a miracle. We spent the day around the Green Man with Palace fans, trying our luck, but nothing came up. My dad was almost ready to head back to the hotel when another Palace supporter walked over and offered him a spare ticket.

I asked how much he wanted for it, already mentally preparing myself to spend a small fortune. His answer?

“Face value. From one Palace fan to another.”

That moment has always stayed with me. Honestly, I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Sometimes football gives you little reminders that you’ve found the right club – or maybe the right club found you.

As for this current Palace side… it genuinely feels special.

I fell in love with a Palace team featuring players like Johnny Williams, Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha – players full of flair, energy and character. This current squad reminds me of that era, just operating on an entirely different level.

Palace have never been about having the biggest stars or the biggest budget. The strength of this club has always been the collective spirit – players fighting for each other, fans fighting for the club, everyone pulling in the same direction. Oliver Glasner has brought all of that together perfectly.

And now here we are: a European Final.

The whole journey still feels surreal. From the disappointment of dropping into the Conference League, to adapting to Thursday nights across Europe, to unforgettable away trips and knockout wins… it’s been absolute madness in the best possible way.

My favourite moment? Probably the final whistle against Shakhtar Donetsk in Kraków. That was the moment it suddenly felt real – like maybe, just maybe, we were actually going to make it to Leipzig.

The roar at full-time was unbelievable. Thousands of Palace fans taking over Kraków’s main square, singing for hours… it felt like a dream.

And now, somehow, our first ever European Final takes place in Germany.

It honestly couldn’t be more perfect.

So go out there and give us one last dance

Five of us from the German Eagles will be travelling to Leipzig for the Final, while the others will be watching together back home. We cannot wait to welcome Palace fans to Germany and hopefully give them a trip they’ll never forget.

To the players, there’s really only one thing left to say:

Enjoy it.

You’ve already made us proud beyond words. You’ve given Palace supporters memories we never thought possible. We believe in this team completely – and if Palace play our football, we can beat anyone.

So go out there and give us one last dance.

Do it for Palace.

Do it for Croydon.

Do it for SE25.

Do it for the red and blue army.

Prediction? Oliver Glasner masterclass. Palace 3-1.

### 2026 UEFA Conference League Final

**Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano**

- **Wednesday, 27th May**
- **20:00 BST UK time / 21:00 CEST local time**
- **Leipzig Stadium, Germany**
- **[Live audio commentary on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/)**
- **[Visit our Conference League Final Hub](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/crystal-palace-2026-uefa-conference-league-final-leipzig/)**

Crystal Palace's fantastic debut season on the continental stage culminates in the UEFA Conference League Final on Wednesday – a proud occasion for many, including our very own German Eagles!

The German Eagles: Why one group fell in love with Croydon & Selhurst Park

Today, we hear from none other than **Gary Cahill** – a man who lifted three European trophies during a glittering Chelsea career, and later brought that experience to South London during a formative spell in the Premier League...

Cahill arrived at Selhurst Park in the summer of 2019 as a free agent following his departure from Chelsea, quickly becoming a regular and reliable presence at the heart of a well-organised Roy Hodgson defence. He went on to make 47 appearances across two successful seasons in red and blue.

Looking back on his time in SE25, Cahill’s affection for the club is still very much evident.

“I absolutely loved it at Palace,” he said. 

“Coming out of Chelsea and going into that environment – the Chairman Steve Parish, the players, the whole setup – I really enjoyed my time there. It was a really good club to be part of.”

Cahill joined a squad that, at the time, still carried a strong experienced core which had underpinned Palace’s Premier League stability in previous seasons.

Alongside him were established figures such as Mamadou Sakho, Andros Townsend, James McCarthy, Wayne Hennessey and Patrick van Aanholt – players who had formed part of that long-standing Premier League group in SE25.

But as Cahill reflects, the direction of travel was already beginning to shift during his time at the club.

“When I first came in, there were still a lot of lads there who had been part of that Premier League period and really understood what the club was about,” he said.

“But you could feel it starting to move on a little bit. Players were coming towards the end of contracts, the squad was gradually changing, and the club was preparing for a bit of a transition.”

That transition became more pronounced following his departure in August 2021, as Palace underwent a broader squad refresh ahead of Patrick Vieira’s arrival as manager.

The period marked the introduction of a younger, more dynamic group of players, including Marc Guéhi, Joachim Andersen, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher – part of a new wave that would go on to shape the next stage of the club’s development.

And while Cahill had already moved on, he could still see the early signs of that evolution beginning to take shape.

“It wasn’t just one or two changes,” he explained. “It was more of a proper shift in the squad over time, a bit of a reset really.

“And when you’ve got that level of change, it does take a bit of time to settle. 

"But you could see the intention – bringing in younger players, players with energy, players who could develop together. And that’s what’s happened.”

For Cahill, that process has ultimately led to a landmark moment in the club’s history – with Palace now competing in their first-ever major European final. It is an achievement he admits he follows with genuine pride.

“I still look at Palace and hope they do well because I’ve got really fond memories of my time there,” he said. “To see them win the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and now be in Europe – it’s brilliant.

“But to go all the way to a final is a phenomenal achievement. That’s not easy in any competition.”

Cahill’s own European pedigree adds further weight to that assessment. 

During his time at Chelsea, he competed across seven seasons in European competition, winning both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League – the latter on two occasions – and featuring in multiple finals across different campaigns.

It is an experience he describes as defining to his career.

“It’s where players want to be,” he said. “You’re playing against the best teams, travelling across Europe, and everything changes slightly – the rhythm, the preparation, even the pressure.

“In the Premier League, every game is intense, but Europe brings something different. Different styles, different atmospheres, different challenges away from home.

“And ultimately, that’s why clubs push so hard to get into it – because those nights, those experiences, and the chance to win trophies are what stay with you.”

If it's your night, it stays with you forever

Despite spending just two seasons in South London – including one heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – Cahill still speaks warmly about his connection with supporters.

He quickly understood the intensity of Selhurst Park, having experienced it both as an opponent and as a home player.

“I knew Selhurst from playing there before,” he said. “So I knew how loud it was, how passionate the fans are, how much they get behind the team.

“But when you’re playing for them, it’s different. You really feel that support. It’s one of those grounds where the atmosphere can really lift you.

“I had a great relationship with the fans. They were brilliant with me from day one, and I always tried to give everything I had in return.”

And as Palace prepare for one of the biggest night's in their history, Cahill is clear about the role supporters will play once again.

“It makes a massive difference,” he said. “If it’s anything like Selhurst, they’ll be incredible. That support becomes a real 12th man.

“These are the nights players live for – the travel, the build-up, the anticipation. It’s what you grow up dreaming about.

“And for the fans as well, it’s one of those occasions you’ll never forget if it goes your way.”

Finally, he offers a simple message to those making the journey – shaped by years at the highest level of European football.

“Get there safe, enjoy every minute, and back the team like you always do,” he said.

“Because nights like this don’t come around often. And if it’s your night, it stays with you forever.”

### 2026 UEFA Conference League Final

**Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano**

- **Wednesday, 27th May**
- **20:00 BST UK time / 21:00 CEST local time**
- **Leipzig Stadium, Germany**
- **[Live audio commentary on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/)**
- **[Visit our Conference League Final Hub](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/crystal-palace-2026-uefa-conference-league-final-leipzig/)**

Crystal Palace’s first-ever major European final is just one day away – and ahead of the occasion, we’re delighted to share a range of stories from those who have experienced football’s biggest stages on the continent, from former players and stars who have worn the famous red and blue jersey…

Features

Features

On our way! The Road to Leipzig: Recapped

The German Eagles: Why one group fell in love with Croydon & Selhurst Park

Our European Finalists: Gary Cahill on what will 'make a massive difference' in Leipzig

Palace in Europe - Shop the Collection

7Ismaïla
Sarr

Features

Features

On our way! The Road to Leipzig: Recapped

The German Eagles: Why one group fell in love with Croydon & Selhurst Park

Our European Finalists: Gary Cahill on what will 'make a massive difference' in Leipzig

Palace in Europe - Shop the Collection

7IsmaïlaSarr

7Ismaïla
Sarr