Jean-Philippe Mateta’s heroics lift Palace to first European trophy

Jean-Philippe Mateta silenced his away-day doubts and scored the decisive goal as Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to win the Conference League final in Leipzig.

The striker had not netted away from Selhurst Park since last September, with all 11 of his previous club goals coming at home, but he picked the perfect moment to end the drought.

Adam Wharton’s 22-yard drive forced a parry from goalkeeper Augusto Batalla early in the second half, and Mateta was quickest to react, tapping home for the winner.

Crystal Palace dominated the expected goals battle with 2.57 xG to Rayo’s 0.52 and created several chances to extend their lead, hitting both posts in one spectacular attack when Yeremy Pino’s free-kick ricocheted between them.

The victory gave manager Oliver Glasner the perfect farewell, becoming only the third manager to win a major European trophy in his final game in charge of an English club.

Crystal Palace became the first team since 1988 to win a trophy in their debut European campaign, adding the Conference League to their 2025 FA Cup and Community Shield success