Crystal Palace made history with a lightning-fast goal before sealing a strong semi-final win.
Ismaïla Sarr scored the fastest goal in UEFA Europa Conference League history, finding the net just 21 seconds into Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Senegal forward capitalised on a quick break to give Palace an immediate lead in the semi-final first leg, played in Krakow. The goal broke the previous record of 32 seconds set in 2022.
Despite the early setback, Shakhtar responded after the break, with Oleh Ocheretko equalising from a set piece. However, Palace quickly regained control as Daichi Kamada restored their lead before substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen added a third on the counter-attack.
The result gives Palace a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg at Selhurst Park, as they aim to reach a first-ever European final.
The Conference League, launched in 2021, is UEFA’s third-tier competition, and Palace are competing in Europe for the first time after winning the FA Cup last season.
With momentum and history on their side, Palace now stand just one step away from a landmark achievement in European football.
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