French Professional footballer, Jean-Philippe Mateta has written his name into Crystal Palace history scoring the decisive goal as the Eagles edged Rayo Vallecano to lift their first-ever European trophy in the Conference League final.
The French striker reacted quickest to a rebound from an Adam Wharton effort early in the second half in Leipzig, calmly turning the ball home to secure the breakthrough.
Outgoing manager, Oliver Glasner ended his spell at Selhurst Park on a high, having guided Palace to the FA Cup, Community Shield, and now a historic European triumph in just over two years.
Both sides, featuring in their first European final, began cautiously at the Red Bull Arena, with early chances few and far between.
Rayo Vallecano threatened through Alemao and Unai López, while Palace came closest before half-time when Tyrick Mitchell headed narrowly wide from a Wharton delivery.
The breakthrough arrived six minutes into the second half when Wharton’s effort was parried into Mateta’s path, and the forward made no mistake with the finish.
Mateta, who finished the season with 16 goals, had nearly left the club in January before a knee injury halted a proposed move to AC Milan.
Palace continued to press, with Yeremy Pino striking both posts from a free-kick and later setting up another chance for Mateta, only for Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla to deny him.
Despite late pressure, Rayo, one of the lowest-budget sides in La Liga could not find a response as Palace held firm to secure a historic European night for the club and a fitting farewell for Glasner.
Glasner Transforms Crystal Palace Into Trophy Winners
Despite a turbulent season, Oliver Glasner signed off in style and is now firmly etched into Crystal Palace history as one of the club’s most successful managers.
The Eagles had never lifted a major trophy until last season’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, and they have now followed it up with another historic European success, alongside their Community Shield win against Liverpool.
Their achievements this campaign come despite significant squad setbacks, including the departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal last summer and Marc Guéhi’s move to Manchester City in January.
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Glasner has also played a key role in transforming Jean-Philippe Mateta’s career.
The striker, who managed just 11 goals in 80 appearances before the Austrian’s arrival in February 2024, has since scored 46 in 110 matches under his guidance.
Mateta’s importance in the final proved decisive, and his resurgence, despite a failed January move to AC Milan due to injury has been a major boost for Palace, earning him renewed fan admiration and a place in France’s World Cup plans.
Midfielder Adam Wharton also stood out, heavily involved in the build-up to the winner and dictating play throughout, just days after missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
Although Palace missed several chances to put the game to bed, they saw out the match comfortably to cap a demanding 60-game season with celebration at full-time.
Their campaign included setbacks such as dropping from the Europa League due to ownership issues, a shock FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield, and a 15th-place Premier League finish, but all of that has now been overshadowed.
The victory secures Europa League football for next season and marks Palace as one of only a few English sides to win European silverware this year, alongside Europa League winners Aston Villa, with Arsenal still in contention to complete a possible European treble for England.
