Crystal Palace’s debut in a major European competition has been a journey of highs and lows. Now, the South London club faces a critical test in the UEFA Conference League. The Eagles have an uphill battle to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase. This would guarantee them a direct route to the last 16. However, with their current standing, the path forward requires resilience and top-tier performances in their remaining matches.

The Current Standings: A Mid-Table Challenge

After four matches in the 2025/2026 UEFA Conference League, Crystal Palace finds itself in 18th place. Their record stands perfectly balanced with two wins and two losses. This position places them firmly in the middle of the pack, just two points away from the coveted top-eight spots.

The recent 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg was a setback, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. Despite this loss, the Eagles are still positioned within the “Knockout phase play-off places,” according to the official table. This means their European destiny remains firmly in their own hands.

Understanding the Path to the Knockout Stage

The Conference League’s new format presents a clear but challenging goal. Finishing in the top positions is crucial for avoiding an extra round of matches. Here is how the qualification works:

• Positions 1-8: Teams in these spots automatically advance directly to the Round of 16. This is the primary target for Oliver Glasner’s side.
• Positions 9-24: These teams enter a two-legged knockout phase play-off round to earn a place in the Round of 16.
• Positions 25-36: Teams finishing in these positions are eliminated from the competition.

Therefore, while Palace’s current 18th-place position keeps them in contention, securing a top-eight finish would provide a significant advantage by bypassing a tricky play-off tie.

The Final Hurdles: Two Must-Win Matches

Manager Oliver Glasner was clear that converting chances is vital at this level of competition. The focus now shifts entirely to the final two league-phase games. Crystal Palace has upcoming fixtures against Shelbourne of Ireland and KuPS from Finland.

These matches are now effectively finals for the Eagles. Securing maximum points is essential to climb the table and leapfrog the teams above them. The club’s strong domestic form earlier in the season showed what they are capable of. Consequently, the team will need to rediscover that momentum to turn their European campaign into a resounding success.

Conclusion: Can the Eagles Soar into the Top Eight?

Crystal Palace’s European adventure is at a pivotal moment. The team has shown promise but now faces a straightforward task: win the remaining games. An uphill battle certainly awaits them, but direct qualification to the last 16 is still within reach. The upcoming matches against Shelbourne and KuPS will determine whether the Eagles soar directly into the knockouts or face a tense play-off round. The foundation is there; now it is all about the execution.