Crystal Palace, Rayo Vallecano, and Aston Villa reach European tournament finals

On May 8, 2026, the finalists for the UEFA Conference League and Europa League were decided. Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 (following a 3-1 first-leg win) to secure their place in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, who qualified after a 1-0 away victory over Strasbourg. The Conference League final is scheduled for May 27, 2026, in Leipzig. In the Europa League, Aston Villa achieved a 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit. This victory propels Aston Villa to the Europa League final, which will be held on May 20, 2026, in Istanbul. Some reports earlier suggested the final would be in Leipzig, but confirmed details specify the Istanbul venue for the Europa League. Villa's performance was highlighted by goals from Ollie Watkins and others, ending their campaign with a decisive result.