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Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal gave Oliver Glasner the perfect send-off as Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig.
Glasner has overseen the most successful spell in Palace history, leaving the Eagles with their first European trophy after winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in the last 12 months.
Palace will now have the chance to achieve more success as they wait Next season Europa League football.
Mateta, himself, went from zero to hero in the space of six months after expressing his desire to leave in the January window, before leaving after the transfer failed.
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates after scoring the winner for Crystal Palace
In a game of few chances until the second half, Mateta instinctively pounced on a rebound after testing Adam Wharton’s strike from range by Augusto Batalla in the Rayo goal.
Up until that point, Palace fans were hoping they wouldn’t live to regret Tyreek Mitchell’s missed sitter on the brink of halftime. The Eagles academy graduate wasted a superb Wharton cross, heading wide from close range.
Crystal Palace players celebrate Mateta’s goal
Many would argue that, beyond that possibility, Rayo were the better side, enjoying greater possession throughout. However, it was Palace who could have pulled further ahead in a dominant spell after Mateta broke the deadlock.
Don’t forget Jeremy Pino’s superb free-kick from outside that rattled both posts before hitting the upright as Mateta attempted to clear the scraps.
Another chance came for Mateta shortly after, but this time Batalla made a brilliant save to get on top.
Mateta was denied a second goal shortly after giving Crystal Palace the lead
Rayo then showed a spark of life, but the Spanish side, who are eighth in La Liga and on a run of nine games without a defeat, failed to test Dean Henderson throughout the 90 minutes and added time.
Palace have secured Europa League football hard last summer after being denied a place in the competition due to UEFA ownership rules. However, few will complain now, except Glasner’s successors, who must be basking in European glory in the SE25.
Glassner: I can’t believe this is the last game
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner speaking to TNT Sports:
“I have to congratulate the players, the team, because it was the game we expected, but I think we played an incredible 15 minutes after half-time, where we scored, where we could have decided it.
“Then in the end we defended very well, great evening, and I think it’s really this team of players, this club, these fans that deserve to win the Conference League, and that’s why I’m really happy.
“I can’t believe it’s the last match.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner with the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy
“But yes, I made that decision, and I think this is a chapter. I think it’s a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other chapters will follow,
“It’s the same, I told the players, after winning the FA Cup you get what you deserve now, that’s the Europa League.
“So I think now with a year’s delay, the club, the fans, the players have got what they deserve.
“So sometimes, well, you have to take a round trip, and now here we are. The Crystal Palace is where they should be.”
Meta: Fantastic!
Jean-Philippe Mateta speaking to TNT Sports:
“I feel great. We did it. Our first time in Europe, and I just want to celebrate.
Mateta celebrates the victory
“It’s unbelievable. I’m tired now, we gave everything, so we won.”
It worked for all palaces…
Crystal Palace players celebrate their Conference League win
Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri:
“Crystal Palace are in the Europa League but have had to do it the hard way. Think of the passion that was taken out of this club after the best day in the club’s history last May.
“The FA Cup should have offered them Europa League football but, after the UEFA ruling, it was rejected. Sixty games later, the most in Palace’s history; after club hero Eberechi Eze – left, Mark Guehi – club captain – left at Wembley, the Eagles were still up.
“Oliver Glasner is gone but leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten. A club that teetered on the brink of retirement has now achieved European glory. If I were him, I would reconsider his decision; the fans would welcome a new contract.
“As far as he’s concerned, it’s final. Still, Oliver Glasner and these players are the authors of a golden age in the Palace history books.”
Dean Henderson lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy
What next?
Already thinking about the 2026/27 Premier League season?
have a World Cup To fit in first – follow the live blog of every game The Sky Sports app – But The original date is locked For next term, when Sky Sports Will show again At least 215 live Premier League games.
Here’s your summer diary:
June 11: World Cup Begins – Daily fixture list
June 14: Scotland opener vs Haiti (2pm)
June 15: The summer transfer window opens
June 17: England vs Croatia opener (9pm)
June 19: Premier League Fixtures Released (10am)
July 19: World Cup final
August 22-23: Premier League opening weekend
August 27: Champions League League Stage Draw
September 1: Transfer deadline day (window closes at 11pm UK time)
September 8-10: Champions League Match Day 1
May 30, 2027: Premier League Final Day
