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Thursday, 28 May 2026
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the definitive goal as Crystal Palace defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday night, securing the club's first-ever European trophy.
The victory at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena marked a historic farewell for departing manager Oliver Glasner. The Austrian tactician leaves Selhurst Park having delivered three trophies in a remarkable two-and-a-half-year tenure, following previous triumphs in the FA Cup and the Community Shield. The win also secures Palace's return to the UEFA Europa League next season.
Cagey Opener Broken by Mateta
Both teams were competing in their maiden European final, which translated into a cautious and cagey first half with very few clear-cut openings.
Rayo Vallecano, riding a nine-match unbeaten streak despite having the lowest budget in La Liga, missed a half-chance when Alemao flashed a shot wide after 25 minutes. Unai Lopez also missed the target for the Spanish side. Palace spurned the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes just before the interval, when Tyrick Mitchell headed wide from an inch-perfect Adam Wharton cross.
The breakthrough came six minutes into the second half. Wharton unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty box, which Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla could only parry. Mateta reacted quickest, tapping home the rebound on 51 minutes for his 16th goal of the season.
"I feel fantastic," Mateta told TNT Sports after the match. "First time in Europe, we did it! The team gave everything and that's why we won today."
Palace Hold Firm to Secure History
The English Premier League side nearly doubled their advantage shortly after. Yeremy Pino struck a brilliant free-kick that incredibly hit both posts and ricocheted off a defender back onto the woodwork before Rayo managed a desperate clearance. Pino later set up Mateta for another opportunity, but Batalla produced a fine save to keep the deficit at one.
Rayo Vallecano fought bravely but struggled to breach a disciplined Palace defense in the closing stages.
Palace’s triumph underlines the financial dominance of English football, making them the third London club to win the Conference League in as many years, following West Ham in 2024 and Chelsea in 2025.
