Crystal Palace brought home their first-ever European trophy as Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal in the second half to give the Eagles a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday—an ideal send-off for manager Oliver Glasner.
Palace broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, with the strike coming from a well-known attacking pattern. Adam Wharton fired from the edge of the area, Augusto Batalla got down to make the save, and Mateta was on hand to finish the rebound from close range.
After the opener, Rayo had moments to threaten but Palace continued to press forward. Yeremy Pino tested the frame with a free kick that rattled both posts shortly after, while Mateta forced another important save from Batalla as the game opened up. Still, Palace ultimately never needed to add a second goal, securing the win as they set their sights on becoming only the second time in their 120-year history that they would capture a major trophy.
The victory also placed Palace among the elite in recent European competition, making them the third English club in the last four years to lift the Conference League. Glasner leaves Selhurst Park on a high after having confirmed his departure back in January, ending his tenure with a moment that will be remembered long after the final whistle.
