Crystal Palace defeat Rayo Vallecano to win Europa Conference League
Premier League side Crystal Palace earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the final of the 2025-26 Europa Conference League in Leipzig on Wednesday night.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal of the encounter in the second half to lead Palace to their first-ever European trophy.
The first half ended goalless but Mateta fired home the winner just six minutes into the second half after a goal effort was parried into his path and he bundled it in.
It was his 16th goal of the season as he further established his importance to the club.
Crystal Palace have now won their third trophy under Oliver Glasner, who is set to leave at the end of the season.
The Austrian coach led the club to the FA Cup trophy in 2025 and the Community Shield in August.
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He led the club to a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final before beating Liverpool to win the Community Shield.
Matchwinner Jean-Philippe Mateta described the triumph as fantastic.
He said: “I feel fantastic! I feel fantastic! We did it! First time in Europe and we did it. Now I just want to celebrate. This guy [Joel Ward] has to celebrate with us.
“We gave everything. I told you about the intensity they will have and I am tired right now, I gave everything. That’s why we won today.
“I am always with the fans. They have supported me a lot as a player. They are always behind us. We did it for them too.”
Crystal Palace have now qualified for next season’s Europa League after winning the Europa Conference League.
