Jean-Philippe Mateta inspired Crystal Palace to a historic first European trophy as the Eagles secured a narrow victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final.
The French striker netted the decisive goal early in the second half in Leipzig, reacting quickest to turn in the rebound after Adam Wharton’s effort had been saved.
The triumph marked a memorable farewell for departing manager Oliver Glasner, who leaves Selhurst Park after guiding Palace to the FA Cup, Community Shield and now the Conference League during an impressive two-and-a-half-year reign.
With both clubs appearing in their first-ever European final, the opening stages at RB Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena were understandably cautious and tense.
Rayo Vallecano threatened first through Alemao, who dragged an effort wide, before Unai Lopez also missed the target with the Spanish side’s best chance of the first half.
Crystal Palace came closest before the interval when Tyrick Mitchell headed wide from a brilliant delivery by Wharton.
The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the restart as Wharton’s powerful strike was pushed into Mateta’s path by goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, allowing the forward to tap home from close range.
It was Mateta’s 16th goal of the campaign for Palace, despite nearly leaving the club in January before a knee injury ended a proposed move to AC Milan.
Yeremy Pino later struck both posts from a free-kick and also created another opportunity for Mateta, but Batalla produced an excellent save to deny him a second goal.
Rayo, operating with the smallest budget in La Liga, failed to find a late response as Palace held firm to seal a famous victory and give Glasner the perfect send-off in his final match in charge.
