ไทย
English
中國人
Crystal Palace secured a 1–0 win against Rayo Vallecano in the 2025–26 Conference League final on Wednesday, claiming the club's first-ever European title.
Despite a relatively disappointing domestic season, the Eagles entered the match as slight favorites after cruising through the knockout rounds without ever appearing close to being knocked out. Rayo Vallecano, however, proved to be formidable opponents under the highly capable Iñigo Pérez.
Both teams found it difficult to generate meaningful chances in the opening half at the Red Bull Arena. Neither side managed a single shot on target within the first 30 minutes of the closely-fought contest. It wasn't until the edge of halftime that Crystal Palace came close, with Tyrick Mitchell heading a golden opportunity wide of the post.
Oliver Glasner's side carried that momentum into the second half and broke the deadlock just six minutes after the interval. Adam Wharton surged 30 yards forward unopposed before unleashing a speculative effort at Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who spilled the ball directly into the path of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The French striker wasted no time from close range, slotting the ball into the net to give his team a 1–0 lead. Crystal Palace nearly extended their advantage in the 55th minute through Yéremy Pino, but the 23-year-old watched his superb free kick strike both posts before bouncing back into play.
Glasner's squad ultimately had no need for a second goal, however. They managed the remainder of the match comfortably until the final whistle signaled the start of the celebrations.
Lifting the Conference League trophy not only added a second major honor to the club's collection, but it also guaranteed the south London outfit a spot in the Europa League for the following season. Crystal Palace become the ninth Premier League club set to compete in European football in 2026–27.
Glasner Gets Storybook Farewell
In January, Glasner confirmed he would be departing Crystal Palace at the conclusion of the season after two and a half years at the helm. The decision, which he revealed had been made months prior during the October international break, was partly driven by tensions with club leadership following Marc Guéhi's mid-season move to Manchester City.
Nevertheless, the 51-year-old pledged to give everything he had remaining to the Eagles in the second half of the campaign, and he delivered on that promise, guiding the team to Leipzig and ultimately to the club's second major piece of silverware.
Crystal Palace ended a 119-year wait for major honors in 2024–25, Glasner's first complete season in the dugout. The Austrian tactician orchestrated a historic FA Cup triumph over Man City at Wembley to finally bring glory to Selhurst Park.
Glasner then steered his side to a penalty shootout win in the 2025–26 Community Shield against reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.
Now, in his final game at the helm, Glasner added yet another trophy to the Eagles' collection, cementing not only his fairytale send-off, but also his lasting legacy at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace Joins Premier League-Heavy Winners' List
It is now undeniable that English clubs have dominated the Conference League since the competition launched in 2021–22. Three of the tournament's five champions have hailed from the Premier League.
Roma claimed the inaugural edition before West Ham United lifted the Conference League trophy in 2022–23. The Hammers defeated Fiorentina 2–1 to secure their first major honor since 1980.
Olympiacos followed as champions in 2023–24, before Chelsea stormed to glory last season with a commanding 4–1 victory over Real Betis in the 2024–25 final.
Crystal Palace now joins that exclusive list of winners, meaning English clubs have claimed half of all Conference League titles to date.