Ismaila Sarr nets fastest goal in Conference League history as Palace beat Shakhtar 3-1 | OneFootball

Crystal Palace secured a vital 3-1 win at Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg.

Palace opened the scoring inside 21 seconds. Jean-Philippe Mateta slipped Ismaila Sarr through and the Senegalese slotted into the bottom corner, netting the fastest goal in the competition’s history.

The visitors continued their bright start with Adam Wharton aiming for the near post, but Dmytro Riznyk saved his effort.

Shakhtar’s first real chance came in the 15th minute, with Marlon Gomes delivering a cross towards Eguinaldo, but the Brazilian could not connect cleanly.

The hosts dominated for the rest of the first half, but failed to pose enough threat to Palace’s defence.

Two minutes after the interval, Shakhtar drew level through Oleh Ocheretko. Kaua Elias flicked the ball to the Ukrainian to poke home from close range.

Palace responded positively and nearly restored their lead in the 54th minute, but Riznyk made two brilliant saves to keep the scores level.

Moments later, Mateta struck the woodwork before Daichi Kamada made it 2-1, as the ball dropped nicely for the Japanese to find the back of the net.

Palace sealed the victory in the 84th minute, as Kamada threaded a pass through to substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen, who dinked the ball over the goalkeeper.

The result put the Eagles in firm control of the tie ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at Selhurst Park.