Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title

FootballSports
28 May 2026 • 5:20 AM MYT
DPA International
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Image from: Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta scores his side's first goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League final soccer match between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena. Jan Woitas/dpa

Crystal Palace have claimed a maiden European title with a 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday in the Conference League final.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winner for the historic title in the 51st minute.

Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla parried Adam Wharton's effort but the rebound fell in front of the French striker, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

The title is another milestone for departing coach Oliver Glasner, who last year led Palace to their first-ever major trophy, with a 1–0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

With Wednesday's win, Palace will also feature in the Europa League next season.

They were removed from the competition this term due to UEFA's rules against multi-club ownership. Palace's major shareholder John Textor's also owned French side Lyon, who had qualified for the same tournament.

Image from: Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League final soccer match between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena. Robert Michael/dpa
Image from: Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League final soccer match between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena. Robert Michael/dpa
Image from: Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title
Crystal Palace's Jaydee Canvot and Daniel Munoz in action against Rayo Vallecano's Alvaro Garcia during the UEFA Europa Conference League final soccer match between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena. Robert Michael/dpa
Image from: Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title
Crystal Palace's Jaydee Canvot (L) and Rayo Vallecano's Alvaro Garcia battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League final soccer match between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena. Robert Michael/dpa