Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal as The Crystal Palace defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in Leipzig to win the UEFA Conference League and secure the club’s first major European trophy.
The French striker was quickest to react early in the second half and converted from close range after Ray goalkeeper Augusto Batalla pushed Adam Wharton’s shot into his path.
The victory marked a historic night for Palace, who played in the first European final in the club’s history.
Glasner bowed with another goblet
The triumph also provided a fitting farewell for manager Oliver Glasner, who leaves Selhurst Park after overseeing one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
During his two-and-a-half-year season, the Austrian has guided Palace to the FA Cup, the Community Shield and now European success.
Both Palace and Rayo Vallecano entered the final seeking a first continental title and the opening stages reflected the tension of the occasion.
Rayo went close through Alemao and Unai Lopez in the first half, while Palace’s best chance before the break fell to Tyrick Mitchell, who headed home after Wharton’s accurate clearance.
Mateta brings the decisive moment
Palace found a turnaround six minutes after half-time when Wharton forced a Batalla save with a low shot before Mateta tapped home the rebound.
The goal was Mateta’s 16th of the season and capped another strong campaign for the forward, who came close to leaving the club in January before a knee injury derailed a proposed move to AC Milan.
Rayo Vallecano tried to respond, with Yeremy Pino hitting both posts from a free-kick before later creating another opening for Mateta at the other end, only for Batalla to deny him with a strong save.
The palace is holding firm under pressure
Despite pushing forward in the closing stages, the Spanish side struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Palace defence.
Rayo, operating with one of the smallest budgets in La Liga, played in the first major final in their history, but failed to find a tie.
Palace eventually held on to claim a momentous victory and give Glasner a memorable send-off in his final game as manager.
