Conference League

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Crystal Palace FC v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3

Turan tips Real Madrid and Barca target Smit for greatness

Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan has heaped praise on AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, labelling the midfielder a "special" talent destined for the very top of the game. Despite his side securing a 3-0 victory in the Conference League quarter-finals, the Turkish manager was left awestruck by the youngster's ability to dictate the tempo of the match against his team.

A. TuranK. Smit
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Crystal Palace FC v ACF Fiorentina - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One

Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina : The tactics board

Crystal Palace dismantled Fiorentina with a ruthless 3-0 victory at Selhurst Park, leveraging a high-intensity 3-4-2-1 system to exploit the visitors' defensive frailties. While Fiorentina maintained a slight edge in possession, Oliver Glasner’s side dominated the quality of chances, accumulating a staggering 3.45 xG to secure a commanding Conference League result.

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Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace 2025-26

Has Glasner talked himself out of contention for Man Utd job?

Oliver Glasner has been informed that he may have talked himself out of contention for Manchester United’s managerial post, with the Crystal Palace boss receiving a “stepping stone” warning. The Austrian was considered to be a leading contender to take charge at Old Trafford following Ruben Amorim’s departure, but Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why a more scenic route to the top may have to be taken.

O. GlasnerCrystal Palace

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Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace 2025-26

📽️ | Glasner's Palace reign turns ugly as fans taunt manager

Oliver Glasner’s reign as Crystal Palace is threatening to turn ugly, as he prepares to leave Selhurst Park in the summer, with Eagles fans taunting their own boss during a disappointing Conference League clash with Zrinjski Mostar. Disgruntled supporters chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” in Glasner’s direction as a 1-1 draw was played out in Bosnia.

O. GlasnerCrystal Palace

Frequently asked questions

Orlando City and Louisville City share the record for the most USL Championship titles, each winning the championship two times. Orlando City won in 2011 and 2013, while Louisville City won in 2017 and 2018.

The 2024 season of USL will see 24 teams compete for the league. When the league was founded in 2011 as USL Pro, only 12 teams contested. That number rose to 14 in 2014, 24 in 2015, 30 in 2017, 36 in 2019, and now back at 24.

Jamaican midfielder Kenardo Forbes is the player with the most appearances in USL history, having featured in 303 games.

With 105 goals (and counting) in 249 games, Jamaican forward Dane Kelly is USL's leading goalscorer of all-time.

Axel Kei, a centre-forward, holds the record as the youngest-ever player in USL Championship history. He made his debut in 2021 at the remarkable age of 13 years and 282 days.

Jamie Vardy, Gareth Bale, James Maddison, John Stones, and Darren Bent are some of the most iconic players to have played in the Championship.

Alen Marcina, Mark Briggs, Trevor James, and Noah Delgado are among the most popular coaches in USL history.

Protective Stadium, which is where Birmingham Legion FC play their home games, is the biggest stadium in the USL with a capacity of 47,000.

Fanendo Ali is the most expensive player in USL history, being bought for $1 million (allocation money) by FC Cincinnati in a trade with Portland Timbers.

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