🏟️ Electric atmosphere in Leipzig(!): Palace kick off the UECL final | OneFootball

By now, Crystal Palace have clearly taken control and lead Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the Conference League final — and it looks like there could be more to come. 

But we’d say let’s take it one step at a time, because the final already had plenty to offer even before the first goal of the night. 

First of all, there was the atmosphere, which may well have given one or two football fans in Leipzig something of a culture shock. Even before kick-off, the many supporters from both sets of fans created a remarkable atmosphere inside the Red Bull Arena — including some wild choreographies. 

Then a fan in the crowd, who had apparently fallen down the stairs, briefly brought the action on the pitch to a halt — because Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla sat down on the ground to make sure the supporter was getting help. According to the live broadcast on ‘nitro’, he was then taken away, though with a thumbs-up gesture. So it seems like everything will be okay. 

That’s what the Crystal Palace fans thought too when Mitchell, shortly before half-time, got a completely free header at the back post from close range after a cross from the right. But he sent the ball just inches wide of the post in mid-air. So it remained goalless at the break. 

Shortly after half-time, that huge missed chance did not come back to haunt them. Instead, Glasner’s side finally took the lead. Wharton let fly from distance, and Mateta buried the rebound from the Rayo keeper to make it 1-0 — and at the same time sent the arena, usually the home of RB Leipzig, absolutely wild. 

After the goal, Palace already had two more chances to extend their lead, but failed to take them for the time being. 

And we have to say: even though there are supposedly people who aren’t all that fond of either the competition or the stadium hosting it, we’re still being treated to a pretty exciting night of football. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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