Palace win first European trophy with Conference League triumph over Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Crystal Palace made history in Leipzig as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half finish sealed a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano and delivered the club’s first European trophy in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

In a tense, tactical final at the Red Bull Arena, chances were at a premium early on, with both sides playing within themselves on their maiden European final appearance.

Rayo Vallecano carved out the first real opening when Alemao flicked a half-chance wide, before Unai López dragged another effort off target.

Palace grew into the game, with Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada starting to dictate the tempo, and Tyrick Mitchell came closest before the break, heading wide from Wharton’s superb delivery.

The breakthrough arrived just six minutes into the second half. Wharton’s fierce drive was parried by Augusto Batalla, and Mateta reacted quickest to turn home the rebound from close range. It was his 16th goal of the season and a moment of redemption after a difficult spell earlier in the campaign.

From there, Palace took control. Yeremy Pino rattled both posts with a brilliant free-kick, while Mateta was denied again from close range as the Eagles pushed for a second.

Rayo never really recovered. Despite plenty of effort, they struggled to test Dean Henderson in the Palace goal, with the Premier League side managing the closing stages comfortably.

For Oliver Glasner, it was a perfect farewell. The Austrian departs Selhurst Park after guiding the club to the FA Cup, Community Shield and now European glory in a remarkable spell.

When the final whistle went, Palace players celebrated a first-ever continental trophy — and a night that will live long in the club’s history.