Crystal Palace F.C. defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 on Wednesday in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig to claim the first European trophy in the club’s history.

French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal early in the second half, handing departing manager Oliver Glasner a memorable send-off while ending Rayo Vallecano’s hopes of winning their first major title.

The final started cautiously, with both clubs appearing nervous in their first-ever European final. Chances were limited in a physical opening half that also saw a temporary pause following a medical incident in the stands.

Crystal Palace emerged stronger after the break and found the breakthrough in the 50th minute. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla spilled a powerful long-range strike from Adam Wharton, allowing Mateta to react quickest and convert the rebound.

The match, played before 39,176 spectators, featured several intense physical duels, with Italian referee Maurizio Mariani issuing multiple bookings.

The triumph secured Crystal Palace qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League and marked the club’s first-ever European title.

Despite the defeat, Rayo Vallecano earned praise for reaching the final during what was their first major European campaign in more than two decades.

English clubs have now won the UEFA Conference League three times, following victories by West Ham United F.C. in 2023 and Chelsea F.C. in 2025.

The title also represented Crystal Palace’s third major trophy under Glasner after previous successes in the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield.