Conference League semi-finals kick off with first-leg matches

The UEFA Conference League semi-finals begin on April 30 with two first-leg matches. Shakhtar Donetsk will play Crystal Palace at the Henryk Reyman Stadium in Krakow, Poland, which is being used as a neutral venue. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano hosts Strasbourg at the Vallecas Stadium in Madrid. Both matches are scheduled to start at 22:00. The return legs are set for May 7, with the final taking place in Leipzig on May 27. Rayo Vallecano faces personnel challenges, including the absence of injured players Luiz Felipe and Alvaro Garcia, while Palazon is available for European competition despite a domestic suspension. Strasbourg is missing Anselmino, Panichelli, Amougu, and Barco due to injuries. The winners of these two-legged ties will advance to the final match in Leipzig.