Crystal Palace claimed their first European trophy as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, in the final of the Europa Conference League, the perfect farewell for manager Oliver Glasner.
Initially set to compete in the Europa League after their strong domestic campaign, Palace were reassigned to the third-tier Conference League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations before the tournament began.
They took the lead on 51 minutes through a familiar source. Adam Wharton’s shot from the edge of the box was only parried by Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla and striker Mateta knocked in the rebound from close-range.
Yeremy Pino struck both posts with a free kick shortly afterwards and Mateta brought a fine save out of Batalla as Palace pushed for a second that in the end they did not need in pursuit of a second major trophy in the club’s 120-year history.
Palace became the third English side in four years to lift the trophy after West Ham United and Chelsea.
Wednesday’s triumph 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 wins in 2025.
“It was a tight, highly competitive match in which one situation decided it,” Glasner said in an interview. “The key were our midfielders, Wharton and Kamada were just fantastic. “
“We had them switching sides at a moment in the game and that created a lot of space for Wharton, who drove the ball spectacularly. In one of those plays he created the chance that ended up with our goal.”
“And in a final those plays can decide a title. I’m glad that it went our way,” he concluded.
