Jean-Philippe Mateta goal sees Crystal Palace secure maiden European trophy with Conference League win

Crystal Palace won the Conference League final 1-0 against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, earning their first European trophy and qualification for the Europa League. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive second-half goal after pouncing on a rebound from a parried Adam Wharton effort. The victory capped a successful period under Oliver Glasner, following historic domestic achievements including an FA Cup triumph and the Community Shield. Mateta had nearly left in January but stayed after a knee issue prevented a move to AC Milan. Adam Wharton’s fitness was a concern, but he started after Glasner said only fully fit players would play. Palace supporters created a major atmosphere with banners and elaborate displays before kick-off.

"Crystal Palace lifted their first European trophy and punched their ticket to the Europa League after Jean-Philippe Mateta's second-half goal proved the difference during their 1-0 Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig."

"Mateta nearly left the Eagles in January, only remaining after a knee issue denied him medical clearance for a desired move to AC Milan which left some sections of the Palace support unhappy with the France forward. He vowed to give 100 per cent to Glasner and his team-mates, and emphatically completed his redemption arc when he pounced on the rebound of a parried Adam Wharton effort to put Palace in the ascendancy, treating the euphoric Eagles fans to his signature corner-flag kick."

"Adam Wharton's participation was a concern ahead of the contest, but Glasner promised he would only start players who were "100 per cent fit", and the midfielder was in the line-up, while Chris Richards began the game on the bench."

"Both thunderous fanbases lit flares before kick-off, when those in the Palace end - a sold-out contingent of about 13,000 complementing masses more in general admission - raised a banner reading 'this story shall the good man teach his son', a reference to King Henry V's rallying cry to his soldiers in Shakespeare's eponymous play. Their accompanying tifo featured a fan, wearing a Palace shirt reading 'Ultras 05' - the founding year of the Holmesdale Fanatics - staring out an airport window. Beside him, a departures board showed 'Liquidation cancelled, FA Cup landed, Europa League boarding'."

Read at Irish Independent