Crystal Palace secured the UEFA Conference League title with a dramatic extra-time win over Rayo Vallecano, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the decisive goal. The victory came in Oliver Glasner's final match as manager, capping a remarkable season for the south London club.
Palace had been denied a place in the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rules, but this triumph ensures they will compete in that competition next season. Chairman Steve Parish, who saved the club from administration in 2010, watched from the stands alongside UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
After a lackluster first half, Palace improved significantly after the break. Mateta opened the scoring in the second half, finishing from close range after a parried shot from Adam Wharton. The goal sparked wild celebrations, with Mateta and teammates performing his trademark corner-flag-kicking celebration.
Rayo Vallecano pushed for an equalizer but were denied by Palace's defense and some wayward finishing. The match went to extra time, where Palace held firm to secure the victory. Glasner, who performed a full-length dive on the pitch after the final whistle, has now won three trophies in 12 months with the club.
The victory was marred by minor clashes between fans earlier in the week, with 60 Palace supporters ordered to leave Leipzig city center. However, the final itself passed without major incident as 15,000 Palace fans celebrated their club's first European trophy.
