Crystal Palace secured their first European trophy with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday in Berlin. The decisive goal came shortly after halftime when Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on a rebound to score in the 51st minute. Mateta’s shot followed a save by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who had blocked an initial attempt by Adam Wharton.

Mateta’s contribution was notable given his uncertain status earlier in the season. The French striker had been set to leave the club in January, but a failed medical assessment due to a knee issue prevented a transfer to AC Milan, leading him to remain with Palace for the remainder of the campaign. Speaking after the match, Mateta expressed elation over the historic achievement, highlighting the team’s collective effort and the support of the fans.

The victory marks a significant milestone for outgoing manager Oliver Glasner, who has overseen a period of unprecedented success at Palace. This season’s European triumph follows last year’s FA Cup win, also secured with a 1-0 scoreline against Manchester City, representing the club’s first major domestic trophy. Adam Wharton, who scored the previous opening goal for the team in the final, praised Glasner’s impact, noting the transformation in the club’s ambitions and performance under his leadership.

Glasner, who announced his intention to depart Palace earlier this year, has not yet disclosed his next managerial destination. He publicly criticized the club’s transfer policy in January, signaling potential friction behind the scenes despite the team’s on-field success.

Palace’s Conference League victory also qualifies them for next season’s Europa League, a competition from which they were barred this term due to UEFA regulations around multi-club ownership. The rule affected Palace because of their major shareholder John Textor’s stake in French club Lyon, which also qualified for the tournament.

The win represents Crystal Palace’s first foray into European silverware and solidifies the club’s rising profile following a remarkable run under Glasner’s tenure.