UEFA Conference League Final LIVE: Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Score, Radio Commentary, Text Updates and Match Stats
Crystal Palace ended a turbulent season in remarkable fashion by securing another major trophy, capping what will be remembered as one of the most successful periods in the club’s history under Oliver Glasner. After winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history last season with a victory over Manchester City, Palace have now added a second trophy in as many campaigns, while also lifting the Community Shield after beating Liverpool.
Glasner’s achievement is particularly notable given the challenges Palace faced throughout the season. The club lost two of its key players, with Eberechi Eze sold to Arsenal last summer and Marc Guehi moving to City in January. Despite those departures, Palace remained competitive and delivered when it mattered most. Glasner has also transformed Jean-Philippe Mateta into a far more prolific striker. Before the Austrian manager arrived in February 2024, Mateta had scored 11 goals in 80 matches for Palace. Under Glasner, he has scored 46 goals in 110 games, becoming a decisive figure in the club’s success.
Mateta’s contribution was especially significant in the final, where his resurgence and determination stood out after a difficult period in his career. A knee problem had blocked a move to Milan, but he responded by regaining the trust and support of Palace fans and earning a place in France’s World Cup squad. His form under Glasner has turned him into one of the team’s most important attacking weapons.
Midfielder Adam Wharton also played a major role in the victory. His shot helped create the decisive moment, but his overall performance in possession was outstanding. Wharton had only recently experienced the disappointment of missing out on England’s World Cup squad, yet he responded with a composed and influential display on a night of high pressure.
Palace were not always comfortable and had opportunities to make the result more secure, but they ultimately managed the game well enough to finish strongly and celebrate at full time after their 60th match of a demanding season. It was a campaign filled with setbacks and complications. The club were forced to drop from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League because of ownership-related issues, suffered a shock FA Cup defeat to non-league Macclesfield, and finished 15th in the Premier League.
Still, none of those difficulties will matter now. Palace’s latest triumph guarantees a return to European football next season, with the club set to compete in the Europa League once again. Their success also made them the second English team to win a European trophy this season, joining Europa League winners Aston Villa. Arsenal may yet complete an unprecedented English hat-trick if they defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.
