Crystal Palace make history after winning first European trophy

Crystal Palace have won won the UEFA Conference League to claim a first European trophy in the club's history.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal of the game as Palace beat Spanish side Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in Leipzig.

Following a goalless first half, Mateta netted what proved to be the winner in the 50th minute, tapping home from six yards after Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla had parried midfielder Adam Wharton's long-range strike into the path of the Frenchman.

The result comes just over 12 months after the Eagles claimed the club's first-ever major trophy when they lifted the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.

The match at the Red Bull Arena also marks the end of manager Oliver Glasner's tenure at the south London club.

The Austrian, who previously won the UEFA Europa League as boss of German side Eintracht Frankfurt, announced he would be departing Selhurst Park back in January after more than two years in charge.

"I feel fantastic," Mateta said after the game. "We did it, now we just have to celebrate and enjoy the party.

"We gave everything and he [Glasner] gave everything and that's why we won today. The fans support me a lot and we did it, of course, for them too."

Palace's triumph means they become the third English club after West Ham and Chelsea to lift the Conference League since the competition's inception in 2021.

It comes a week after fellow Premier League side Aston Villa lifted the Europa League to claim their first major trophy in 30 years - and a first European title since 1982.

It could prove to be a clean sweep for English teams in European competitions this season, with recently-crowned Premier League winners Arsenal taking on holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday.

Palace fans who had not made the trip to Germany for the game gathered at the club's home stadium to watch their team make history.

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