Palace Sweep Shelbourne Aside to Close In on Conference League Last 16
Crystal Palace produced a commanding performance in Dublin, sweeping aside Shelbourne to boost their push for a place in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League.
First-half goals from Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino put Palace firmly in control, and although they could not add to the scoreline after the break, the result was never in doubt.
The Eagles, who entered Europe for the first time after winning last season’s FA Cup, now sit ninth in the league phase with one match remaining — a home clash against Finland’s KuPS next Thursday.
The top eight teams advance directly to the last 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th will contest a two-legged play-off round.
Starting the day in 18th position after two wins and two defeats, manager Oliver Glasner opted for a strong XI featuring England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton.
Guehi had an early opportunity but failed to make clean contact before Uche opened the scoring with a well-worked team move in the 11th minute.
Palace felt they should have had a penalty when Nketiah appeared to be fouled, but the forward soon doubled the lead anyway, tapping home after Uche’s effort rebounded off the post.
Chris Richards then hit the bar, and Pino made it 3–0 with a superb individual goal in the 37th minute.
Shelbourne, who have collected just one point from five games and are already on the brink of elimination, kept fighting but were fortunate not to concede a fourth when Romain Esse’s shot struck both posts and stayed out.
Crystal Palace analysis: Eagles thriving despite gruelling schedule
This victory continues a golden period for Palace, who lifted the FA Cup in May, added the Community Shield in August, and now sit fourth in the Premier League.
Their FA Cup success should have taken them into the Europa League, but UEFA placed them in the Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules. Even so, they remain among the favourites to win the competition, following recent Premier League winners West Ham (2023) and Chelsea (2024).
After early setbacks — losing 1–0 to Larnaca and 2–1 away at Strasbourg — Palace needed a strong result against the 2024 League of Ireland champions, and Glasner’s team selection reflected that urgency.
Uche, one of four changes to the side that beat Fulham, rewarded his manager with a goal and an assist on his first start for the club.
It was an almost perfect night for Glasner, whose squad is navigating a heavy stretch of 15 games between 22 November and 10 January.
This match was their third of eight in December, with Manchester City visiting on Sunday before the final Conference League fixture against KuPS.
Glasner will need to rotate heavily, as the KuPS match is scheduled just 48 hours before a Premier League trip to Leeds.
With the points wrapped up early, Palace were able to rest key players: Daichi Kamada, Wharton and Pino were substituted at half-time, while Nketiah came off midway through the second half. The manager also handed a debut to 17-year-old striker Benji Casey.
Shelbourne, still without a goal in the competition, came close in stoppage time when Daniel Kelly forced a save from Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez.
What’s next?
Crystal Palace host Manchester City on Sunday before facing KuPS at Selhurst Park on Thursday in their final group-stage match.
Shelbourne, already eliminated, will round off their 2025 campaign with a trip to Slovenia to face Celje next Thursday.