Advertisement
Crystal Palace clinch first-ever European crown as Glasner bows out in style
28th May, 2026 07:38 AM
Crystal Palace secured the first continental trophy in the club’s history on Wednesday after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s poacher’s finish earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday evening, May 27, 2026.
Having already guided the club to FA Cup and Community Shield success, Oliver Glasner capped his reign by steering Palace into the 2026-27 Europa League.
The South London side had originally been shifted from the Europa League to the Conference League earlier in the campaign because of ownership complications and an administrative deadline issue. Although Palace challenged the ruling, they ultimately transformed the setback into a memorable triumph.
Glasner, who announced in January 2026 that he would depart once the season ends but remains silent on his future plans, started Dean Henderson in goal while Maxence Lacroix, Daichi Kamada, Mateta, Ismaila Sarr, and Adam Wharton all featured in the lineup. Wharton was declared fit despite recent ankle concerns.
Backed by a crowd of 39,176 spectators in Leipzig, Palace made a brighter start before Rayo Vallecano slowly settled into the contest. Alexandre Alemao came close in the 25th minute with a volley that drifted just off target, while Unai Lopez later sent a low strike inches wide before halftime.
Opportunities were limited throughout a tightly contested encounter, with both teams showing defensive discipline. Palace almost grabbed the lead during added time in the opening half when Wharton delivered a cross to Tyrick Mitchell, whose header missed the target.
Mateta steps up
The breakthrough arrived six minutes into the second period. Wharton tried his luck from long range, Augusto Batalla managed to push the shot away, but Mateta reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range.
Palace nearly extended the advantage afterwards. Yeremy Pino rattled both uprights from a free-kick before Batalla denied Mateta after another dangerous move created by Pino. Sarr also threatened as Palace dominated large spells of the second half.
Rayo Vallecano, who finished ninth in La Liga following their final-day victory over Deportivo Alaves, pushed hard in the closing stages. Jorge de Frutos struck the side netting, Isi Palazón tested Palace from a direct free-kick, and Alemao squandered a late opportunity in stoppage time, but Palace remained resolute to see out the win.
“I feel fantastic. We did it. It’s incredible,” Mateta said. “We gave everything, and I gave everything. I’m always with them; they supported me as a player and us as a team. They are always behind us.”
