Sarr becomes top scorer as Crystal Palace reach final of UEFA Conference League

Crystal Palace are through to the UEFA Conference League final and Ismaïla Sarr confirmed his place as the competition’s top scorer following Thursday’s 2-1 semifinal second leg victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Sarr now has a remarkable 19 goals in all competitions, with 9 of them in the Conference League after getting the final touch to a cross from Tyrick Mitchess early in the second half. The left back whipped in a quick cross and the Senegalese forward got a slight touch at the near post.

After a 3-1 first leg victory away from home in the first leg, there was little doubt that the London club would confirm their place in the final. Despite seeing a potential early goal disallowed, an own goal in the 25th minute put the hosts well on their way at Selhurst Park.

Sarr sparks Crystal Palace celebrations

The Ukrainian giants punched back about ten minutes later but still had to score twice to level the aggregate score. The celebrations of an unprecented place in the final began once Sarr tallied to become sole top scorer in the competition. He was previously tied on eight goals with Mikael Ishak and Marius Mouandilmandji, both of whom are on teams that have been eliminated.

 

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A final awaits against La Liga club Rayo Vallecano, who overcame Strasbourg 1-0 in the second leg to compelte a 2-0 aggregate victory in France. The final will take place at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany on May 27, where both teams will compete to win their first-ever continental trophy.