Crystal Palace took a significant step toward European glory with a commanding 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final. The win gives the Eagles a valuable cushion heading back to Selhurst Park for the return fixture.

The match started in dream fashion for Palace, with Ismaila Sarr finding the net inside the opening minute. However, Shakhtar showed resilience, equalizing early in the second half to put the tie back in the balance.

That's when Daichi Kamada stepped into the spotlight. The Japanese midfielder ended a frustrating goal drought by scoring moments after Shakhtar's equalizer, then turned provider with a sublime assist for Jorgen Strand Larsen's late strike that sealed the victory. It was a performance that reminded everyone why manager Oliver Glasner continues to place his trust in the 29-year-old on big European nights.

Kamada's influence went far beyond the scoresheet. He was a relentless presence in midfield, completing one progressive carry and successfully executing his only attempted dribble. Defensively, he was equally impressive, winning all three of his tackles and four out of five duels. One publication awarded him an 8.5 rating, calling his display "exemplary."

This performance underscores the value of having dependable depth in a squad chasing silverware. Kamada may not start every week, but when called upon in high-pressure situations, he consistently delivers. As his contract expires this summer, Crystal Palace faces a crucial decision: finding a proper replacement for a player who brings quality, intelligence, and reliability when it matters most.

For teams looking to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, having experienced operators like Kamada who can step up instantly is invaluable. Perhaps, if Tottenham Hotspur's fortunes continue to decline, Palace could make a move for Conor Gallagher—a player with a similar profile who knows the Eagles well from his successful loan spell.