Glasner, Kamada and the European know-how powering Palace’s Conference League charge | OneFootball

Under semi-final strain in Krakow, Crystal Palace leaned on Oliver Glasner and Daichi Kamada’s European pedigree to secure a 3-1 first leg advantage over Shakhtar Donetsk. NY Times highlights how their know-how steadied Palace when it mattered.

Ismaila Sarr struck after 21 seconds, the fastest goal in Conference League history. Shakhtar levelled, before Kamada restored the lead after 58 minutes and later released Jorgen Strand Larsen to finish a counter for the third.

Glasner called Kamada “a player for big games”, and the midfielder backed that up with defensive bite and composure in transition. Almost four years earlier, on 28 April 2022, he scored for Glasner’s Eintracht Frankfurt in a Europa League semi-final first leg at West Ham, on the way to the title.

Since joining two years ago, Kamada has settled as a No 6 after an awkward start at No 10, and this was his most complete Palace display.

Glasner’s European nous has guided Palace through varying opponents, while he says his job is to guide and, when needed, be constructively critical. He has also questioned how a largely untested group could be favourites without doubting their ability.

Shakhtar remain dangerous for next week’s return at Selhurst Park. For Palace, the know-how has one foot in the final, yet the job is not done. Glasner will leave in the summer and Kamada is likely to follow as contracts expire, and if they can deliver this trophy it would be a fitting parting gift.

Source: NY Times