On Thursday evening, Crystal Palace took a massive step closer to a European final in Leipzig. On Sunday, they were humbled by AFC Bournemouth. The question in the aftermath is whether the Sunday result matters, or, in fact, whether there was likely to have been a different outcome.
Such are the competitive standards in the Premier League this season, especially against a club currently occupying sixth in the table, heavy squad rotation and seemingly pre-planned half-time substitutes were never likely to be a recipe for success – especially when the team lacks composure in possession.
If there was a time to question whether Palace should prioritise success in Europe over league position, that debate was out the window when the team reached the round of 16 in the Conference League. The club finds itself equal distance from eighth in the table, as it does 18th, and yet can't feasibly fight on both fronts.
Oliver Glasner's team has now played 54 matches across all competitions to Andoni Iraola's 37. That 17-game difference isn't an inbuilt excuse, but it speaks to the challenge faced by smaller clubs playing across multiple competitions.
The goal for now is for the squad to draw a line after a disappointing Sunday and refocus on the main prize. Thursday's encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk isn't without risk, despite a two-goal cushion from the first leg. It's likely that they will be forced to work out of possession, to contain the Ukrainian's Brazilian attacking talents, as they did the week before, and will have the chance to counter, which is ultimately where a Glasner team thrives.
The past twelve months have offered Palace fans success beyond our dreams, and if the travelling fans in Bournemouth proved anything at 3-0 down, it is that they were well aware of that, despite the scoreline.
Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast
