News Focus
- Crystal Palace win first European trophy with 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig
- Jean-Philippe Mateta scores decisive goal seven minutes after half-time
- Rayo Vallecano dominate possession but fail to convert clear chances
- Oliver Glasner’s tactical discipline ends Inigo Perez’s European fairytale
Crystal Palace have won the UEFA Conference League. The Premier League club beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final on Wednesday night in Leipzig, Germany.
The Eagles lifted their first European trophy thanks to a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. The striker reacted quickly to a rebound early in the second half and found the net.
The first half was tense but goalless. Both teams played with caution and made few mistakes. Rayo had the best chance after 24 minutes when Alemao shot wide. Palace came close just before the break when Tyrick Mitchell headed over the bar.
After the interval, Palace attacked with more speed. Mateta struck in the 52nd minute after the Rayo goalkeeper saved the initial shot. The goal gave the English side control of the match.
Rayo tried to find an equaliser in the final 20 minutes. Jorge de Frutos hit the side-netting and Andrei Ratiu forced a good save from Dean Henderson. However, the Spanish club could not break down the Palace defence.
Yeremy Pino almost made it 2-0 for Palace. His free-kick hit the post twice late in the game. Oliver Glasner’s team then slowed the pace and managed the game professionally until the final whistle.
The victory marks a historic moment for Crystal Palace. It is their first major European title. Rayo Vallecano must settle for runners-up medals after an impressive journey to the final.