Crystal Palace secured their first European title with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig. Jean-Philippe Mateta's instinctive finish early in the second half proved the difference, as the Eagles held on to claim the trophy.
Captain Dean Henderson lifted the trophy amid ticker-tape celebrations, marking a historic night for the south London club. Manager Oliver Glasner, who led Palace to FA Cup glory last season, slid head-first through a guard of honour formed by his players before receiving the trophy.
Mateta, speaking to TNT Sports after the match, said: 'I feel fantastic! We did it, now we just have to celebrate and enjoy the party. We gave everything and he [Glasner] gave everything and that's why we won today.'
Palace became the 12th English club to win a major UEFA trophy. Tyrick Mitchell, a Palace player for a decade, described the feeling as 'pure delight', similar to their FA Cup win.
Rayo Vallecano, in their first European final, were left in tears after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful performance. Palace dominated much of the match and could have won by a larger margin.
The victory caps a remarkable journey for Palace, who narrowly avoided relegation to the fourth tier in 2001. Glasner's tenure ends with the club's first European silverware, his third trophy in two full seasons.
