In a historic night at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace etched their name into the club's record books by securing a spot in their first-ever major European final. The Eagles' hard-fought 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk sent waves of emotion through the stadium, leaving former Palace defender Joel Ward utterly speechless.

"I am beaming ear to ear," Ward told TNT Sports after the final whistle, his pride unmistakable. "When the manager first came in, he challenged us in our minds and told us we can achieve special things."

Ward, who spent years wearing the red and blue, emphasized that this milestone was no accident—it was earned. "This group of players, and what they have achieved over the last year, this is what the players, fans and manager deserve," he added, reflecting on the journey that brought the Eagles to the brink of European glory.

The sentiment was echoed by former Leeds striker Lucy Ward, also speaking on TNT Sports. "Crystal Palace were brilliant and managed both games so well. Bring on Leipzig!" she exclaimed, already looking ahead to the final showdown. "They have got players who will stand up in Europe and now have the experience. They know that when they play well as a group, they can beat anybody, and they will be going into the final thinking that."

For Palace fans who have long dreamed of nights like these, the message is clear: this team is built for the big stage. With momentum, belief, and a manager who dared them to dream, the Eagles are ready to soar in Leipzig.