Glasner's long Palace goodbye sets up 'perfect' finale

Crystal Palace have progressed through every round of the Conference League this season and now stand on the brink of the club's first European trophy, needing just one more victory. The final will also present manager Oliver Glasner with the perfect parting gift, while writing a historic new chapter for the club.

From reluctance to historic moment

Looking back to the start of the season, Crystal Palace were decidedly unwilling participants in the Conference League. The club's hierarchy harboured reservations about competing on multiple fronts, and squad depth was widely questioned. Yet under Glasner's guidance, the players have displayed fighting spirit and unity that exceeded all expectations, battling their way to the final.

Glasner's perfect goodbye

This final holds profound significance for Glasner. The Austrian manager will step down after the season ends, and a European trophy would be the ideal farewell gift. Should Palace claim the prize, they will join an elite group of English sides to leave their mark on European competition, adding a new chapter to a club history spanning 160 years.