Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winner as Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to win the Conference League and lift their first European trophy.
Crystal Palace lifted the first European trophy in their history after beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal early in the second half as Oliver Glasner signed off in perfect fashion.
The victory capped a remarkable spell under Glasner, who also guided Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield glory. The Eagles will now play Europa League football next season after conquering Europe’s third-tier competition.
Both sides were appearing in their first European final, and nerves shaped the opening stages. Palace started brighter and nearly broke through when Ismaila Sarr raced clear, only for Florian Lejeune to recover with a crucial tackle.
Rayo Vallecano gradually settled into the contest and threatened through Alemao and Unai Lopez. Alemao volleyed narrowly wide before Lopez dragged an effort past the post from distance. The Spanish side enjoyed more possession during spells of the first half but struggled to penetrate Palace’s disciplined back line.
The Eagles came closest before the break. Adam Wharton delivered an excellent cross into the area, but Tyrick Mitchell headed wide from close range in stoppage time. The opening 45 minutes ended without a shot on target from either side.
Crystal Palace emerged with greater intensity after half-time and quickly found the breakthrough. In the 51st minute, Wharton drove forward and unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla could only parry the shot into danger, and Mateta reacted fastest to convert from close range.
The goal sparked Palace’s best spell of the match. Yeremy Pino then came inches away from doubling the lead with a brilliant free-kick that struck both posts before bouncing clear. Moments later, Batalla denied Mateta with a strong save after another dangerous Palace attack.
Rayo Vallecano pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Jorge de Frutos threatened late on, while Pep Chavarria provided energy down the left flank. However, Palace defended resolutely and limited the La Liga side to very few clear openings.
Palace finished the final with 11 shots, including three on target, while Rayo Vallecano managed only one effort on target despite enjoying 58 percent possession. Wharton produced one of his finest performances in midfield, controlling transitions and creating the winning moment. Mateta’s goal was his 16th of the season and continued his impressive revival under Glasner. The French striker has now scored 46 goals during the Austrian manager’s tenure after managing only 11 before his arrival.
Dean Henderson also delivered another assured display in goal, while Maxence Lacroix and Chadi Riad helped Palace absorb late pressure. Rayo entered the final unbeaten in nine matches but lacked cutting edge in attack.
Glasner announced earlier this year that he would leave Palace after the season. He departs having overseen the most successful period in the club’s history, delivering three trophies in just over two years. Palace’s campaign was filled with turbulence. They lost key players, suffered an early FA Cup exit and were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League due to UEFA ownership rules. Yet the Eagles embraced the challenge and ended the season with unforgettable European glory.
Crystal Palace will compete in next season’s Europa League following their Conference League triumph. Attention now shifts toward preparations for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign and replacing Glasner in the dugout.
Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, finished eighth in La Liga and narrowly missed out on European qualification. Despite the defeat, their run to the final remains the greatest continental achievement in the club’s history.
