Crystal Palace Edge Rayo Vallecano To Win Historic Conference League Title
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winning goal as Crystal Palace defeated Rayo Vallecano to win the UEFA Conference League final and claim the club’s first European title.
The French striker reacted quickest to finish from close range early in the second half after Adam Wharton’s shot was pushed into his path by goalkeeper Augusto Batalla at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
The victory marked another major achievement for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who is set to leave the club after guiding the Eagles to the FA Cup, Community Shield and now the Conference League during an impressive spell in charge.
Both sides were playing in a European final for the first time, and chances were limited in a cautious first half. Alemao missed an opening for Rayo, while Unai Lopez also fired wide for the Spanish side.
Palace came close just before half-time when Tyrick Mitchell headed off target from Wharton’s excellent delivery into the penalty area.
The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the restart when Wharton’s effort was saved by Batalla, but Mateta was perfectly positioned to score the rebound for his 16th goal of the season.
The striker nearly joined AC Milan in January before a knee injury stopped the transfer, and he once again proved his importance with the decisive goal.
Rayo pushed for an equaliser late on, with Yeremy Pino striking both posts from a free-kick, but Palace stayed organised defensively and held on to secure a famous victory.
The triumph also guarantees Europa League football for Palace next season after a difficult campaign in which they finished 15th in the Premier League and suffered an early FA Cup exit.
Glasner’s impact at Selhurst Park has been remarkable, especially in helping Mateta rediscover his best form. Since the Austrian coach arrived in 2024, the forward has become one of Palace’s key players and continued his fine scoring run on the biggest stage.
