Crystal Palace Win the Conference League: Eagles Claim First European Trophy

Crystal Palace have made history. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half tap-in secured a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig, giving the club their first ever European trophy.

We tipped Crystal Palace to win at 1.99 with Betway ahead of the final. It came in. If you followed that one, well done.

Oliver Glasner signed off in his final match as Palace manager with a third major trophy in just over a year, capping one of the most remarkable runs in the club’s history.

How the goal came

Adam Wharton was the standout performer on the night. Left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad, the 22-year-old channelled any frustration into one of his best performances. He drove Crystal Palace forward all evening, breaking up Rayo attacks and creating the best chances of the match.

The goal came from a Wharton shot from distance that the Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper could only parry. Mateta was first to react at the back post and made no mistake. 1-0. Palace were European champions.

Glasner’s farewell

This was Glasner’s last game in charge. The Austrian transformed Palace beyond recognition after arriving at the club, winning the FA Cup, securing a top-half Premier League finish, and now delivering European silverware. He leaves with a legacy that will stand for decades at Selhurst Park.

The transfer interest in Wharton this summer is going to be significant. Any club watching last night would have seen a complete central midfielder. Palace are going to have a fight on their hands keeping him.

What it means for next season

The Conference League trophy earns Crystal Palace a place in the UEFA Europa League next season. They would not have qualified through their league finish, so this is a significant bonus for the club both in sporting and commercial terms.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
Goal: Mateta (52′)
Venue: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig
Competition: UEFA Conference League Final 2026