When the Conference League was first introduced back in 2021 there were some who questioned the value of the competition.
But it has offered many teams the chance to do something they had never done before – win a major European trophy.
There were wild scenes of celebration when Roma became the inaugural winners, while the following year West Ham claimed a dramatic last-minute success against Fiorentina to end their 43-year wait for a major trophy.
Thousands gathered in the streets of east London to welcome back the victorious Hammers, underlining how much the win meant to the club and their supporters.
Crystal Palace fans will no doubt feel the same should their side go all the way and claim yet more silverware in a memorable 12 months.
Former Eagles defender James Tomkins said on TNT Sports: "The last couple of seasons have been incredible.
"They never expected to be in a European competition a couple of seasons ago but now they are going from strength to strength in this competition.
"They will feel they can go all the way."
Despite being debutants, Palace were installed as favourites to win the Conference League at the start of the season.
It took a while for them to live up to that tag, with many of their performances in Europe looking somewhat turgid.
But their 3-0 win against Fiorentina – two-time finalists in the Conference League – showed what they are capable of.
Next up for Palace is a two-legged semi-final with Shakhtar, with Strasbourg facing Rayo Vallecano in the other tie.
"They made light work of them [Fiorentina] really, but from here on in they will expect some really tough games, there is some good quality in the competition," added Tomkins.
"The question is whether they can bring the positivity from the first leg. That was the best I've seen them for a while, the three-week break did them the world of good and they looked like the team we saw early this season and last season."
The campaign will end with manager Oliver Glasner's departure, but it could also finish with a European prize.
"Of course, that is what we all want," said the Austrian.
"We want to enjoy our life together, not just the football. The more successful you are, the more you enjoy your life.
"When you play the semi-final, you want to get it all at the end and that's what we will go for."
Read more on Palace’s European run
