‘I don’t know what the fuss is about’ – Palace’s chaotic season could end in glory

The Conference League, Europe’s third-tier competition, is only in its fifth season, with two English teams – West Ham in 2023 and Chelsea in 2025 – among the top four winners.

Since the start of this season’s edition, Palace have been the bookies’ favourites, despite only finishing 10th in the league stage and having to play two matches against Bosnian champions Zrinjski to reach the last 16.

But there are not many clubs in the Championship that Palace would be afraid to play.

On Friday, they will find out whether they will face the German team Mainz, the team that ranks 13th in the German League, or the Cypriot team Larnaca, which scored only seven goals in six matches in the league stage, despite beating Palace 1-0 in October.

“We’re hungry for more [silverware] “But you’re not talking about winning the title after three months,” added goalkeeper Henderson, who became Palace captain after Guehi left the club.

“It’s knockout football and we go into it with confidence. You see the fans get on the field early and Selhurst were brilliant tonight and we can make it a fortress.”

Former Palace defender James Tomkins, speaking on TNT Sports, said: “They have moved on to the next stage, to the last 16 of this competition and they are favorites to go on and win it from here.

“They need to focus on the Conference League. The opportunity they have been given is unbelievable. Adding a third title in two seasons would be amazing and beyond the fans’ wildest dreams.”

“They needed a second goal to get over the line and it was a great night for the club. The atmosphere is amazing and you can see all the fans behind the team and the manager and that means a lot.”