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Among the Selhurst Park side fans, this juncture could have been a lifetime in coming, however for the Austrian tactician, it’s business as usual. Following securing the prestigious domestic trophy and the traditional opener, the initial top prizes ever achieved by the team, Glasner who came at Selhurst Park 18 months ago promising he wasn't a magician is set his next trick: steering Crystal Palace into the European showdown in May.

European Journey Begins With Kyiv

After being relegated from Europe's second tier when the governing body considered the Eagles involved in a club partnership, the team edged past their qualifying opponents in the qualifying round with the path for European glory begins in earnest versus Kyiv at a neutral venue on Thursday evening. This is a match that has been eagerly awaited among the away supporters, along with additional passes quickly snapped up for the encounter in Lublin, serving as Kyiv's European base following the conflict two years ago.

Unbeaten Run and Squad Confidence

Oliver Glasner has tried to minimize the significance of Palace’s astonishing unbeaten streak, stressing post the last-gasp success against the Reds last weekend pointing out it's early, thus no need for hype”.

Yet given the Eagles maintaining the longest sequence undefeated among Europe's best by some distance, above top clubs like Barca and Bayern, it's no small feat to be sniffed at. Skipper Marc Guéhi gave an insight on the confidence running deep in the Eagles currently.

When it comes to mindset, yes for sure it’s there,” stated the captain, who did not want to comment about the collapsed transfer to Anfield on deadline day other than to thank the Eagles' followers for backing the team. “We’ve tasted success however we want more. Every single person on the team pushes for further success – from the manager right through the athletes. We have witnessed our capabilities. It's possible by maintaining concentration, we could achieve many more opportunities. Many more chances to accomplish bigger feats.”

Inquired regarding Glasner's effect, Guéhi continued: “If he wasn’t there from the touchline, I think we’d all know the plan. An important aspect he repeats all the time: it goes beyond tactics, rather the approach. The way of anything that we do is vital. Entering the game with such mental preparation, that mentality, when we face obstacles with that approach, it always helps us and puts us in a strong position.”

Squad Decisions plus Euro History

An issue facing the coach revolves around the majority of his first XI has featured the vast majority of minutes of a busy campaign up to now, including defenders like Guéhi and Lacroix, plus Muñoz and the striker accumulating 10 club appearances as September concludes. Against the Ukrainian champions with a rich history in Euro tournaments over the years, who claimed the top division trophy after the conflict began recently under Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, the ex-shot-stopper with 92 national team games for Ukraine, the manager is likely to take no chances and opt for a full-strength XI.

Our policy is to use the top lineup,” commented the coach. We acknowledge positive contributions, as all members who featured, including substitutes who came on in previous matches, should be in the lineup, and that’s the best for the team. Several athletes worthy of starting, as they're performing well.”

Uncharted Territory plus Top Contenders

Europe's third tier represents an unfamiliar challenge for the manager, who would have fancied the prospect of repeating his earlier triumph at Frankfurt on the continental stage if Uefa hadn’t had other ideas. However Palace are considered the betting front-runners to follow in the footsteps the Hammers and Blues by becoming the next team from London to win the trophy that started three years ago.

The manager admitted the team may confront a unique obstacle versus opponents who sit deep. “We have the skills to overcome deep lines in matches,” he said. As observed in recent European games, the Reds managed to get goals and even Chelsea versus Benfica, they’re both dominating possession. Yet it doesn't ensure a high score. But we think our team can to score goals, irrespective of the approach Kyiv takes.”