Crystal Palace wins the Conference League, 1-0 at Rayo

Crystal Palace wins the first international trophy in its history, beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the Conference League final on the lawn of the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. It’s a network of Jean-Philippe Mateta at the start of the second half to decide the match in favor of Eagles.

The first half: thrills and scoreless goals

The first real opportunity arrives in the 25th minute and it is for the Spaniards: Chadi Riad hits a header in defense and Alemão, behind him, volleys with his left foot, but the ball goes wide. In the 35th minute the game was interrupted for around three minutes following an emergency medical intervention in the stands to help a fan.

Shortly after the restart, Unai López tries with a precision right-footed shot from the edge that goes out not far to Henderson’s left. In full recovery, the English devoured the possible advantage: Wharton brushed a great ball from the frontcourt, Mitchell entered with the right timing but went wide a few steps from the goal. The first half thus ends goalless.

The second half: Mateta’s flash and the final forcing

Glasner’s men started better in the second half and scored the 1-0 in the 51st minute: Wharton kicks with the left foot from distance, the goalkeeper Batalla saves short but it is Math the quickest of all to pounce on the rebound and score into an empty net.

Five minutes later, the British came close to doubling their lead: a free kick from the edge taken by Daichi Kamada (touched by Pino) ​​sensationally hit an incredible double internal polewith the ball flowing over the line before Batalla manages to save himself. The rossoblù controlled the game and in the 57th minute they came close to scoring again with Mateta, who however had his way blocked by a providential intervention from the opposing goalkeeper.

The Iberian team withstood the attack and tried to get away, without however really worrying Dean Henderson. Rayo’s final forcing does not have the desired effects and the result no longer changes.

The perfect farewell step for Glasner

At the final whistle, joy explodes at Crystal Palace who, in addition to the cup, also qualify for the next edition of theEuropa League. For coach Oliver Glasner, on his last bench among the ranks of the Londoners, this marks the end of an unforgettable experience previously enriched by historic triumphs in FA Cup and in the Community Shield.

Mateta: “I just want to celebrate”

“I feel great! We did it! First time in Europe and we did it. Now I just want to celebrate.” These are the words of Jean-Philippe Mateta at the end of Crystal Palace’s victory over Rayo Vallecano. “We gave everything. I told you about the intensity they would have and now I’m tired, I gave everything. That’s why we won today – adds the French striker -. The fans supported me a lot. They are always by our side. We did it for them too”.