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For the Selhurst Park side fans, this moment might have been a lifetime in waiting, yet for Oliver Glasner, it's standard procedure. Subsequent to claiming the prestigious domestic trophy and the traditional opener, the first major silverware ever achieved by the team, Glasner who arrived at Selhurst Park in early 2024 vowing he was “no David Copperfield” is getting ready his latest feat: steering Crystal Palace toward the continental decider in May.

European Journey Starts With Kyiv

Following relegated from the Europa League once European football's governing body deemed the Eagles involved in a shared ownership group, the team edged past Fredrikstad during the playoff as the journey to Leipzig officially commences against Dynamo Kyiv on Polish soil this Thursday night. The game that's been highly expected from the visiting contingent, plus more seats quickly snapped up for the match at Lublin Arena, acting as Kyiv's European base since Russia’s invasion two years ago.

Undefeated Sequence along with Player Morale

Oliver Glasner has made efforts to downplay the significance regarding the club's remarkable string of undefeated games, stressing following the dramatic win over Liverpool recently that “we’re still in September, hence no further comments”.

However with his team holding the longest sequence unbeaten among Europe's best by a clear margin, above top clubs like Barca and Bayern, it is not an achievement to dismiss. Leader Marc Guéhi gave an insight about the faith coursing through the team at the moment.

“In terms of mentality, yes for sure it’s there,” commented the defender, who avoided discussing regarding the unsuccessful switch with the Reds during the transfer window other than to thank the supporters for backing the team. We've achieved honors but we’re definitely not satisfied. All members on the team pushes for further success – starting with the coach right through to the players. We have witnessed our capabilities. There’s no saying if we stay focused, we may secure further openings. Many more chances to achieve more.”

Inquired about the manager's influence, Guéhi continued: “If he wasn’t there during matches, I believe we'd still understand the plan. There’s one thing he emphasizes all the time: it goes beyond tactics, rather the approach. In my view, the method with all efforts is really, really important. Stepping onto the field with that attitude, that frame of mind, and by tackling things that way, it benefits the team and puts us in a strong position.”

Team Selection along with Euro History

The problem for Glasner is that the bulk of his first XI has participated the vast majority of minutes during a hectic season up to now, with players such as Guéhi and Lacroix, plus Muñoz and the striker accumulating 10 club appearances by the end of September. Facing the Ukrainian champions who have plenty of pedigree in European competition in the past, who claimed their first league title since the war broke out last season led by Shovkovskyi, the former goalkeeper who won 92 caps with the national side, the manager is expected to take no chances and choose his best team.

Our policy is to use the strongest possible side,” stated the manager. We recognize the good performance, because everybody who played, including substitutes who entered in the last games, merit a place, which is ideal for a manager. Several athletes eligible for selection, since they remain in very good shape.”

New Experience along with Top Contenders

The Conference League is also an unfamiliar challenge for Glasner, who could have imagined the prospect of replicating his Europa League win with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League had circumstances been different. Yet the Eagles are considered the bookmakers’ favourites to join other London clubs to be another capital city side to lift the cup that was introduced three years ago.

Glasner recognized the Eagles might encounter a different challenge against sides adopting a defensive stance. “We have the skills to penetrate such defenses on the other side,” he said. It was evident in recent European games, the Reds managed to score in Istanbul along with Chelsea versus Benfica, they’re both dominating possession. However, that doesn't guarantee multiple goals. Yet we believe we have the capability to find the net, irrespective of the tactics of the opposition.”