Crystal Palace’s extraordinary year continued as they booked their place in a first-ever European final, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League after a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

Oliver Glasner restored his strongest lineup following the weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, as Palace approached a historic European night with renewed intent.

Shakhtar, however, made a lively start, with Kaua Elias twice threatening early on. His first effort drifted narrowly wide before he was denied by Dean Henderson, and an offside flag later halted another promising move.

The Eagles believed they had taken a major step toward the final in the 10th minute when Chris Richards’ long ball was flicked on by Jean-Philippe Mateta, sending Yéremy Pino through on goal. The Spaniard calmly finished into the far corner, but the celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee ruled him narrowly offside.

The home supporters did not have to wait long for renewed celebrations, as Palace struck just past the midway point of the half.

Adam Wharton first tested the goalkeeper with a fierce 25-yard drive, which was parried, before Daniel Muñoz reacted quickly to attempt a finish from a tight angle. The ball then deflected off Pedro Henrique and into the net for an own goal.

Shakhtar, fielding seven Brazilians in their starting XI, responded nine minutes later to level on the night. Eguinaldo collected the ball inside the Palace area with his back to goal, controlled it well, spun sharply and produced a superb finish into the top-left corner.

Palace regained the lead just seven minutes after the restart, with Ismaïla Sarr finishing from close range after being set up by Tyrick Mitchell. The strike marked his sixth goal in his last five Conference League appearances and ninth in total, moving him clear as the competition’s outright top scorer.

Arda Turan responded with a double substitution in an effort to inject fresh energy and restore some pride for his side. However, Palace remained on the front foot, continuing to threaten in attack as Mitchell later saw a goalbound effort blocked after being played through on goal.

In the end, it proved a landmark night for Palace as they secured their place in the final, where they will meet Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, with the chance to lift just the second major trophy in the club’s 120-year professional history.

Despite the defeat, Shakhtar can take encouragement from their campaign, as the 2009 UEFA Cup winners remain well placed in the Ukrainian league and are on track to return to European competition next season.