Crystal Palace claimed the first European trophy in the club’s history after defeating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig.
A second-half strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta proved decisive as Palace secured victory and booked a place in next season’s Europa League competition.
The triumph marked the culmination of a remarkable period under manager Oliver Glasner, who is set to leave the south London club after overseeing one of the most successful eras in Palace history, including last season’s FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.
Mateta, whose future at the club had been uncertain following a failed January move to AC Milan due to a knee problem, emerged as the match winner in front of jubilant Palace supporters.
The French forward reacted quickest in the 51st minute after goalkeeper Augusto Batalla parried an effort from Adam Wharton, slotting home the rebound from close range before celebrating with his trademark corner-flag kick.
Wharton had been considered a fitness doubt before the match, but Glasner included the midfielder in the starting line-up after insisting only fully fit players would feature in the final.
The atmosphere inside Leipzig’s RB Arena was electrifying, with both sets of supporters producing colourful displays and flares before kick-off. Palace fans unveiled a large banner referencing Shakespeare’s Henry V, while a tifo celebrated the club’s dramatic journey from past financial struggles to European success.
More than 13,000 Palace fans travelled to Germany for the final, while thousands more gathered at Selhurst Park in London to watch the match.
Palace started brightly, with Ismaila Sarr causing early problems for the Spanish side before Rayo Vallecano responded with several dangerous crosses into the box.
The Spanish club came close to opening the scoring midway through the first half when Brazilian striker Alemao volleyed narrowly wide after connecting with a cross that evaded the Palace defence.
The game was briefly halted in the 38th minute because of a medical emergency in the stands, and the first half ended goalless despite Palace creating late pressure through Tyrick Mitchell.
After Mateta’s breakthrough goal early in the second half, Palace nearly doubled their advantage moments later in a dramatic sequence that saw Yeremy Pino strike the woodwork from a free kick before Mateta’s follow-up effort also hit the frame of the goal.
Despite late pressure from Rayo Vallecano, Palace held firm to seal a historic victory and celebrate a landmark night in the club’s history.
