Strasbourg and Rayo Vallecano to meet in Europa Conference League semi-finals
Strasbourg and Rayo Vallecano will contest one of this season's UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals after navigating contrasting quarter-final second legs on Thursday. Strasbourg secured their progression in emphatic fashion, dismantling Mainz 4-0 at home to complete a comprehensive aggregate victory. Their Spanish counterparts, Rayo Vallecano, survived a significant scare, losing 3-1 away to AEK Athens but advancing 4-3 on aggregate thanks to their commanding first-leg performance.
Strasbourg's victory was never in doubt after an early onslaught put the tie to bed, showcasing the French side's formidable form in the competition. Rayo Vallecano's path was far more fraught. Having won the first leg 3-0 in Madrid, they conceded three times in Athens, with AEK's Zini scoring twice. A crucial 60th-minute strike from captain Isi Palazon, however, proved to be the decisive away goal that ultimately secured their passage.
In the other half of the draw, Crystal Palace qualified for the semi-finals despite a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina in Italy. The English side, which had won the first leg at Selhurst Park, progressed on aggregate and will now face Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian club drew 2-2 with AZ Alkmaar to advance, setting up a clash with Oliver Glasner's Palace side.
The results set up two intriguing final-four matchups, with Strasbourg and Rayo Vallecano meeting for a place in the final at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena. For Strasbourg, a club with a storied history but limited recent European pedigree, the run represents a significant achievement. Rayo Vallecano, under the guidance of Iñigo Pérez, continue to defy expectations with a deep European campaign that has become the highlight of their season.
For Crystal Palace, the continued progress in Europe offers a thrilling distraction from their domestic campaign and a chance at silverware. Their opponents, Shakhtar Donetsk, bring considerable European experience, ensuring a challenging but prestigious semi-final encounter. The Europa Conference League semi-finals are scheduled to be played in early May, with the final set for May 21, 2026.
