Crystal Palace claimed the first European trophy in the club’s history on Wednesday after defeating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig.
French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal early in the second half, converting a rebound to hand departing manager Oliver Glasner a memorable farewell and deny Rayo Vallecano their own hopes of securing a first major trophy.
The triumph capped a remarkable era under Glasner, who leaves Palace with three trophies in two years — the most successful spell in the club’s history.
“I feel fantastic,” Mateta told TNT Sports after the match.
“First time in Europe, we did it! Now I just want to celebrate, I just want to party.
“I’m tired, man. I gave everything. The team gave everything, and that’s why we won today.”
The victory also fulfilled Glasner’s mission of returning Palace to the Europa League. The Eagles had originally qualified for the competition this season before being demoted to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership regulations.
Already a Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, Glasner once again demonstrated his pedigree in knockout competitions.
Palace’s success came despite the departures of key players Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi during the season, as well as the disruption caused by Guehi’s January move to Manchester City.
Mateta, Palace’s match-winner, was himself close to leaving the club for AC Milan during the winter transfer window after a proposed move reportedly collapsed following a failed medical.
Crystal Palace also became the third London club in as many years to win the Conference League, following West Ham United in 2024 and Chelsea in 2025, underlining the growing dominance of Premier League clubs in European competitions.
With Aston Villa already crowned Europa League champions, Premier League winners Arsenal could complete an English clean sweep of Europe if they defeat Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final.
Palace received a major boost before kick-off when midfielder Adam Wharton recovered from an ankle injury in time to start the final.
Rayo Vallecano, unbeaten in nine matches and fresh from a surprise semi-final victory over Strasbourg, entered the contest in strong form.
Both teams knew victory offered their only route back into European football next season after disappointing domestic campaigns, with Palace finishing 15th in the Premier League and Rayo ending eighth in La Liga.
Rayo created the first real opportunity midway through the first half when Alemao fired narrowly wide.
Palace nearly broke the deadlock before halftime after Wharton delivered a superb cross into the area, but Tyrick Mitchell’s header drifted just past the post.
The breakthrough finally arrived early in the second half. Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla parried a powerful effort from Wharton into the path of Mateta, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range.
Palace almost doubled their lead moments later in dramatic fashion when Yeremy Pino struck a free-kick against both posts. The ball ricocheted off a defender and hit the woodwork a third time before Rayo managed to clear.
Despite late pressure from the Spanish side, Palace remained largely comfortable and saw out the victory to add a European title to last season’s FA Cup triumph and this season’s Community Shield success.
AFP
