Conference League Semi-Final 2nd Leg Tips
There are just two games to go before the 2025/26 Conference League final lineup is decided, with the semi-final second legs taking place on Thursday night.
Crystal Palace will feel like they have one foot in the final following their 3-1 first-leg victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in Krakow and the Eagles will be determined to finish the job at Selhurst Park.
The other semi-final is nicely poised going into this second leg, with Rayo Vallecano taking a slender 1-0 lead to Strasbourg on Thursday night.
Tip 1 – Crystal Palace to beat Shakhtar Donetsk & both teams to score @ 2/1
Palace got off to a dream start in Poland for their first leg, with Ismaila Sarr firing them ahead inside the opening minute and immediately putting Crystal Palace on the front foot.
Oleh Ocheretko brought Shakhtar Donetsk level, but the response from Oliver Glasner’s side was impressive. Daichi Kamada restored Palace’s lead before they began to assert real control over the game, both in possession and in attacking threat.
January signing Jorgen Strand Larsen then added a third late on, giving Palace a valuable cushion and ensuring they take a strong advantage back to Selhurst Park for the second leg.
Defensively, there are still slight concerns. Palace have managed just one clean sheet in their last six matches, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Shakhtar find the net again on Thursday night.
That said, the first-leg numbers underline the difference between the sides. Palace registered seven shots on target compared to Shakhtar’s one, highlighting their cutting edge in the final third. With home advantage to come and momentum firmly in their favour, Palace look well placed to secure another victory, even if both teams get on the scoresheet.
Tip 2 – Rayo Vallecano to draw or win vs Strasbourg @ 22/25
Brazilian forward Alemao’s goal nine minutes into the second half of the first leg has given Rayo Vallecano a slender but important advantage ahead of Thursday’s return clash with Strasbourg at the Stade de la Meinau.
Strasbourg come into this one under pressure. With four defeats in their last five matches across all competitions, it’s been a difficult run at a crucial stage of the campaign, and confidence appears to be taking a hit.
Home form, in particular, has been a major concern. Gary O’Neill’s side have lost each of their last three games at the Stade de la Meinau, against Rennes, Nice and Toulouse.
In contrast, Vallecano arrive in far better shape. The Spanish side have picked up three wins and a draw from their last four matches in all competitions.
They also travel well, as shown by their impressive 2–0 victory away at Getafe CF in their most recent La Liga outing.
Given Strasbourg’s struggles on home soil and Vallecano’s current momentum, the visitors look well placed to at least avoid defeat, making them an appealing option in the double chance market to win or draw on French soil.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
