Sharjah 24: Crystal Palace and Spanish side Rayo Vallecano have reached the Conference League final after Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at home, and Rayo Vallecano beat French side Strasbourg 1-0 away in the second leg of their semi-final ties on Thursday.
Palace have reached a European final for the first time in their history, giving their Austrian manager Oliver Glasner the chance to end his illustrious career in the best possible way.
The final in Leipzig on May 27 will be Glasner's last match in charge, after he announced earlier this season that he would leave when his contract expires next month.
Golden era
Crystal Palace enjoyed a golden period under their 51-year-old Austrian manager, who joined the team at the beginning of 2014. He led them to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in last season's FA Cup final, the club's first major trophy. They then defeated Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield, the match that kicked off the season.
After winning the first leg 3-1, Crystal Palace secured their place in the final at Selhurst Park against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The home side took the lead thanks to an own goal by Brazilian Pedro Henrique "Pedrinho" (25), and his compatriot Aginaldo equalized (34). However, Senegalese Ismaila Sarr continued his impressive form, scoring his ninth goal in the competition early in the second half to give his team the lead and a place in the final (52).
Glassner's men will face Rayo Vallecano in the final after the latter defeated Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate.
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