In a historic night at Leipzig Stadium, Crystal Palace claimed the first European trophy in the club’s 120-year history by defeating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League final.
The second European final of the 2025–26 season brought together two clubs with no previous continental silverware, and the opening half reflected the occasion with a tense and balanced battle. Both sides created late chances before halftime, but neither could find the breakthrough.
Crystal Palace emerged sharper after the restart and struck the decisive goal in the 51st minute through French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose clinical finish sent the London side into dreamland.
Moments later, Yéremy Pino nearly doubled Palace’s advantage with a stunning free-kick that rattled both posts of the Rayo Vallecano goal. Palace continued to threaten on the counterattack, while the Spanish side pushed forward desperately in search of an equalizer that never arrived.
Under the guidance of Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace held firm to secure a landmark victory and etch their name into European football history.
The South London club became the fifth winner of the UEFA Conference League, joining previous champions AS Roma, West Ham United, Olympiacos, and Chelsea.
