Crystal Palace lifted their first European trophy on Wednesday when Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half goal earned a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final, the perfect farewell for manager Oliver Glasner.
Palace were initially set to compete in the Europa League after a strong domestic campaign, but before the tournament started Palace were moved to the third-tier Conference League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Instead of seeing it as a setback, the team embraced the competition and turned the unexpected route into a historic run that culminated in the club’s best night on the European stage.
Through a well-known source they took the lead after 51 minutes. Adam Wharton’s shot from the edge of the penalty area was only parried by Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, and striker Mateta tapped in the rebound from close range.
Yeremy Pino hit both posts with a free-kick shortly afterwards and Mateta produced a fine save from Batalla as Palace pressed for a second that it ultimately did not need in the hunt for a second major trophy in the club’s 120-year history.
Palace became the third English team in four years to lift the trophy, after West Ham United and Chelsea.
Wednesday’s victory ensured Glasner will leave Palace on a high, having announced his departure from Selhurst Park in January following the club’s FA Cup and Community Shield victories in 2025.
French striker Mateta set the tone from the start, harassing defenders, winning long balls and leaving Rayo Vallecano’s backline in shadows.
Palace piled on the pressure early on, with Chadi Riad, Jaydee Canvot and Maxence Lacroix forming a disciplined three-man defense that dealt comfortably with Rayo’s direct approach. The Spanish side struggled to build from the back and were often reduced to hurried clearances.
Rayo gradually found some rhythm on the left through Pep Chavarria, and Unai Lopez fired narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area in the 39th minute.
However, Palace should have taken the lead before half-time when Wharton picked out Tyrick Mitchell, whose header from close range went wide.
The first half ended without a shot on target, but Palace returned with greater urgency and broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart.
Wharton unleashed a powerful attack from distance that goalkeeper Batalla could only parry in danger, and Mateta reacted quickest, converting from close range.
Rayo pressed for an equalizer, with Jorge de Frutos going close in the 68th minute, but Palace held firm after dropping deeper, making Leipzig a home away from home for one night.
“It was an exciting, very competitive match in which one situation was the deciding factor,” Glasner told the Spanish broadcaster MovistarPlus.
«The most important thing was our midfielders; Wharton and Kamada were just fantastic. We had them switch sides at one point in the game, and that created a lot of space for Wharton, who controlled the ball in spectacular fashion.»
«In one of those plays he created the chance that ended with our goal, and in a final those plays can decide a title. I’m happy it went our way.»
It was a heartbreaking evening for lowly Rayo Vallecano as there was also bidding for its first European trophy.
The fans refused to leave the stands and continued to sing in support of the tearful players for more than 30 minutes after the final whistle.
«We have to think about what we achieved this season. It was incredible,» said midfielder Isi Palazon.
«They were a very good team and we have to show them respect. They didn’t do much but they were clinical with the ball. We have to accept the defeat.»
Published on May 28, 2026
