Crystal Palace defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig to lift the club’s first ever European trophy. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winning goal to give manager Oliver Glasner the perfect farewell.
Glasner announced that he will leave Palace at the end of the season and gave fans the perfect parting gift by leading the Londoners to a well-deserved European title and a place in the Europa League next season. He also oversaw the club’s most successful campaign, including winning the FA Cup and Community Shield within the last 12 months.
The game against Rayo came with few chances, but luck came on Palace’s side in the early second half when Adam Wharton’s long-range strike forced a parry from goalkeeper Augusto Batalla and landed into Mateta’s path. The Frenchman quickly deflected the ball home, sparking wild celebrations from travelling Palace supporters.
Rayo had enjoyed the greater possession throughout the game, but it was Palace that had the better shot on goal. Yeremy Pino could have made it 2-0 but his free kick hit both posts and Mateta failed to convert his assist. Rayo tried to stage a comeback but ultimately failed to test Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson across the 90 minutes and added time.
Crystal Palace have now secured a European title the hard way after the club was denied a place in the Europa League despite winning the FA Cup last season. A CAS ruling banned the Eagles from the competition due to UEFA’s strict multi-club ownership regulations. But tonight’s win means Glasner’s men are back to the place they belong.
“The players listened to me” – Glasner
Oliver Glasner led Crystal Palace to the UEFA Conference League title for the first time in the club’s history. The departing Palace manager credited for his success at the club, which include the FA Cup and Community Shield titles.
Speaking to TNT Sports about his time at the club as it comes to an end, Glasner said: “It has meant a lot. I was talking to the players in the meeting today – you hear the fans thanking us for giving them the best day of their lives and I said thank you to the players because it is the same for me. The players and fans give me and my family, who are here today, great days in our lives. That is what I really appreciate.
“The players always listened to me, supported me, trusted in me and believed in what I told them. I can be very demanding. A huge thank you to the players and all of the staff and of course all of the fans. I don’t know how many have travelled from England here but I think they will have a great party and we will join them.
“Right now I can’t even believe it is the last game. It is a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other good chapters will follow. I said to the players after the FA Cup, go and get what you deserve, the Europa League. Now with a one year delay, the club, fans, players, sometimes you have to take a road around and now Crystal Palace is where it should be.”
