Conference League final: Palace chase European glory against Rayo Vallecano
By Luke Oluoch, May 27, 2026English club Crystal Palace has arrived in Leipzig, Germany, ahead of their crucial Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano this Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The South London club enters Wednesday night’s showpiece looking to secure their third trophy in just 12 months, a remarkable testament to a highly successful spell under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner.
The tactician, who famously guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League triumph in 2022, has enjoyed a fairytale run since replacing Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park in February 2024.
After orchestrating a dramatic turnaround in form, Glasner led Palace to a stunning FA Cup victory over Manchester City last year, followed by a Community Shield win in August 2025.
Third silverware
Lifting the Conference League trophy tonight would not only add more silverware to the cabinet but also secure a coveted Europa League spot for next season.
Despite earning a Europa League place directly through their FA Cup triumph, Palace were demoted to the tertiary competition by UEFA due to multi-club ownership rules regarding shared controlling interests with French side Lyon.
Now, the opportunity to reclaim their place on the higher European stage rests entirely in their own hands. Glasner has acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the La Liga outfit, but he has urged his squad to go out and take back what they feel they rightfully earned.
Seize the moment
Palace have spent the past fortnight meticulously preparing for a Rayo Vallecano side that is unbeaten in their last seven league matches, ensuring there is zero room for complacency.
“We showed them how they will press us, what we need in possession, how we want to get pressure on them, and how they are going to play,” Glasner said. “Now it’s just about the fine-tuning. We don’t want to change anything, and we will not change anything. It’s a final, and now everything is possible,” he said after the Eagles’ final EPL game against Arsenal on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The tie kicks off at 10:00 pm.