Crystal Palace win Conference League with sperb victorty over Rayo Vallecano

Jean-Philippe Mateta fired Crystal Palace to their first European trophy after they "edged out Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final." The France striker scored a close-range winner on the rebound from an Adam Wharton strike early in the second half in Leipzig.

Outgoing Palace boss Oliver Glasner leaves the club having led them to the Conference League, FA Cup, and Community Shield in a remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell at Selhurst Park. Alemao turned a half-decent opportunity wide before Unai Lopez placed an effort past the post. Tyrick Mitchell headed wide just before the break. Augusto Batalla, Rayo's goalkeeper, palmed Wharton's strike into Mateta's path six minutes into the second half. It was Mateta's 16th goal of the season for Palace. Yeremy Pino then hit both posts with a free-kick before teeing up Mateta for another chance. Palace had never won a major trophy until last season's FA Cup success against Manchester City. They also picked up the Community Shield by beating Liverpool. Eberechi Eze was sold to Arsenal last summer and Marc Guehi joined City in January. Mateta had scored 11 goals in 80 games for Palace before Glasner's arrival in February 2024, but has netted 46 times in 110 matches under him. Palace finished 15th in the Premier League.

Palace will compete in Europe again as this victory guarantees Europa League football next season. Palace are the second English team to win a European trophy this term - joining Europa League champions Aston Villa.