Oliver Glasner’s remarkable European journey continues as the Austrian coach prepares to face a defining moment in continental competition. With his Crystal Palace side set to grab on Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League semifinal second leg, Glasner stands on the verge of guiding another club to a European final — this time in the Conference League. Simultaneously, two of his compatriots, SC Freiburg’s Philipp Lienhart and SC Braga’s Florian Grillitsch, are locked in a high-stakes Europa League semifinal clash that guarantees an Austrian presence in the final.
The convergence of these storylines underscores a proud week for Austrian football on the European stage. Glasner, who previously led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, now seeks to add a Conference League trophy to his résumé with Crystal Palace. The London side holds a 4-2 aggregate lead over Fiorentina after a 3-0 first-leg victory at Selhurst Park, giving them a strong advantage heading into the return leg in Italy.
“We’re in a quality position, but we know Fiorentina will come out fighting,” Glasner said in a pre-match interview. “They have quality, especially at home, and we must respect that. Our focus is on executing our game plan and seeing this through.”
Crystal Palace’s path to the semifinals has been marked by resilience. After overcoming Braga in the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate win, they now face a Fiorentina side desperate to overturn the deficit. The Viola won the first leg 3-0 but were unable to advance due to the away goals rule not applying in UEFA competitions since 2021, meaning Palace’s 3-0 home win was enough to progress.
In the Europa League, the scene is equally compelling. SC Freiburg, anchored by defender Philipp Lienhart, holds a 3-1 aggregate lead over SC Braga following a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory at the Schwarzwald-Stadion. Lienhart played until the 70th minute before being substituted due to cramp, having been a constant presence in Freiburg’s backline throughout their European campaign.
“Philipp was influential again — strong in duels, dangerous on set pieces,” Freiburg’s sporting director noted after the first leg. “He’s become a leader for us, both on and off the pitch.”
The return leg in Sevilla saw Braga fight back valiantly. After trailing 2-0 early, they scored four unanswered goals to win 4-2 on the night, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. Florian Grillitsch started the match and played a key role in Braga’s midfield, helping drive their late surge. Despite the loss, Braga exited with pride, having pushed Freiburg to the limit.
“We believed until the complete,” Grillitsch said post-match. “We gave everything, and while it didn’t go our way, we can be proud of how we fought.”
With Freiburg holding on for a 3-1 aggregate win, the semifinal is set: Freiburg vs. Braga. This guarantees that either Lienhart or Grillitsch will reach the Europa League final in Istanbul on May 20, 2026 — a historic moment for Austrian football, as it ensures an Austrian legionnaire will contest the continent’s second-tier club final.
The last time an Austrian player featured in a Europa League final was in 2018, when Salzburg’s Stefan Lainer came on as a substitute in the loss to Atlético Madrid. Now, either Lienhart or Grillitsch has the chance to go one step further.
Meanwhile, Glasner’s Crystal Palace will look to seal their Conference League semifinal spot against Fiorentina. The first leg at Selhurst Park saw goals from Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Ismaila Sarr hand Palace a commanding lead. Fiorentina managed a consolation goal through Riccardo Sottil, but it was insufficient to alter the outcome.
In Florence, Fiorentina struck early through Cristian Kouamé, but Palace responded with goals from Mateta and Michael Olise to lead 2-1 at halftime. A late goal from Sofyan Amrabat made it 2-2 on the night, but Palace’s aggregate advantage held firm. The result sent the London club through to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest.
“Getting to this stage is a testament to the squad’s character,” Glasner said. “We’ve had to overcome injuries, tough away games, and moments of doubt. Now we’re one win away from a final — and we intend to take it.”
The broader context highlights a resurgence in Austrian influence across European football. Beyond Glasner, Lienhart, and Grillitsch, players like Christoph Baumgartner (Hoffenheim), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), and Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund) continue to feature prominently at elite levels. Yet few storylines carry the symbolic weight of seeing an Austrian coach and two Austrian players potentially shaping the outcome of two different European semifinals in the same week.
For Glasner, the opportunity to win a second major European trophy — and first with an English club — adds personal significance. His tactical adaptability, man-management, and ability to instill belief have been central to Crystal Palace’s resurgence this season. Under his guidance, the Eagles have improved defensively while maintaining their threat on the counter and from set pieces.
Lienhart, meanwhile, has evolved into one of Freiburg’s most reliable defenders. Known for his aerial strength, reading of the game, and willingness to contribute offensively from dead-ball situations, he has become a fan favorite at the Schwarzwald-Stadion. His performances in Europe have drawn interest from larger clubs, though he remains focused on helping Freiburg achieve historic success.
Grillitsch, a product of Austria’s youth system, has established himself as a tenacious midfielder capable of breaking up play and initiating transitions. His work rate and tactical intelligence have made him a trusted figure at Braga, where he has adapted quickly to the demands of Portuguese football.
As the semifinals unfold, the narrative is clear: Austrian football is having a moment. Whether it’s Glasner guiding Crystal Palace toward a Conference League final, or Lienhart and Grillitsch battling for a shot at Europa League glory, the contributions of these individuals are elevating Austria’s profile on the continental stage.
The next checkpoint comes on Thursday, April 24, 2026, when Crystal Palace travels to Florence for the Conference League semifinal second leg against Fiorentina, kicking off at 9:00 PM CEST (7:00 PM UTC). Simultaneously, SC Freiburg hosts SC Braga in the Europa League semifinal second leg at the Schwarzwald-Stadion, with the match scheduled for 9:00 PM CEST (7:00 PM UTC).
Fans can follow live updates through official UEFA channels, club websites, and reputable sports broadcasters. For continued coverage of Austrian performers in European competition, stay tuned to trusted sports news outlets.
What are your thoughts on Glasner’s European journey and the Austrian duo’s semifinal chances? Share your predictions in the comments below — and don’t forget to share this article if you found it informative.
