Crystal Palace secured their first European trophy by beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final held on May 27 at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the match’s only goal in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Adam Wharton's shot was saved [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
This victory marks the 120-year-old club’s first major European honor [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7]. Oliver Glasner, who managed Crystal Palace during the match and had announced in January he would leave at season's end, secured his third trophy in two years with the club, underscoring the team's most successful period [1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 6]. Glasner said, "我对球员们说，现在你们配得上在赢得足总杯后所应得的——那就是欧联杯。现在，只是延迟了一年...俱乐部、球迷、球员都得到他们应得的。" [7]
Crystal Palace qualified for next season’s 2026-27 UEFA Europa League by winning the Conference League [4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 6]. The club had initially been slated to compete in this season’s Europa League after winning last season’s FA Cup but was demoted due to European multi-club ownership rules involving Lyon [4, 5, 7]. Crystal Palace finished 15th in the Premier League this season [6].
Rayo Vallecano reached their first major final in 102 years but fell just short despite a strong continental run [10, 3, 11, 6]. They ended the La Liga season in eighth place and entered the final undefeated in nine matches [4, 6]. Rayo players expressed regret over missed chances and Crystal Palace’s physical style. Isi Palazon said, "We just couldn’t put the finishing touch on it...We weren’t clinical, and we have to accept the defeat." Oscar Valentin added, "They were very physical and tough for us... Reaching the final is a gift, but we’re gutted." [10]
Tensions flared off the pitch with clashes between the two sets of supporters in Leipzig the night before the final. Police arrested two individuals, and 60 Crystal Palace fans were removed from the city center [12, 3]. Approximately 15,000 Palace fans attended the match [3].
Crystal Palace became the third English side in four years to win the UEFA Conference League, following West Ham United in 2024 and Chelsea in 2025 [1, 2, 4, 5]. Premier League clubs dominated European secondary competitions this year, with Aston Villa winning the Europa League and Arsenal reaching the Champions League final [4, 5].
Glasner said after the victory, "I even haven’t thought about the day after tomorrow, today is a day for celebration...Now I can really let go and celebrate." [7]
