(Credit: Imago)

Oliver Walton

Wed 27 May 2026 22:10, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Crystal Palace were fired to their first-ever European trophy by Jean Philippe Mateta’s second-half strike in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.

The Eagles came closest to an opening in a tense first half as Adam Wharton’s chipped cross was headed wide by Tyrick Mitchell.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was then on hand to tap Palace ahead as he pounced on a rebound after Augusto Batalla palmed Adam Wharton’s shot away.

Yeremy Pino nearly made it 2-0 moments later with a fierce long-range free-kick that struck both posts, while Mateta was soon denied inside the box by a smart Batalla save.

Rayo ended the game on top, but Palace held their nerve as Mateta’s strike saw them walk away with a 1-0 win and a lifetime of memories in Leipzig.

Adam Wharton – Man of the match

If Wharton was keen to prove why he deserved a spot in England’s World Cup squad after being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel, then he certainly succeeded in Leipzig.

The 22-year-old was at the heart of nearly every Palace attack, as he set up their biggest first-half chance and also took the shot that led to Mateta’s winner.

Wharton proved too hot to handle for Vallecano, who could not track him well enough and seemed to always afford him too much space between the lines.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Palace are not prepared to let Wharton leave without a fight this summer as he attracts interest from several top clubs, and it is no wonder, as he earns a nine out of 10 for his brilliant showing

Daniel Munoz did not look at his best throughout

Munoz has been lauded for his speed and impressive attacking prowess on the right flank, but looked slightly overwhelmed by the occasion in Leipzig.

The Colombian defender made just three passes into the final third on the night, despite usually being a real asset going forward.

He also won just one of his five attempted ground duels and committed three fouls, so arguably got away with not being booked by Maurizio Mariani.

There were not too many poor performances in a huge evening for the Eagles and their history, but Munoz certainly stood out as someone who struggled, so is given a four out of 10 rating.

Crystal Palace player ratings vs Vallecano

• Dean Henderson – 7/10
• Jaydee Canvot – 7
• Maxence Lacroix – 6
• Chadi Riad – 6
• Daniel Munoz – 4
• Adam Wharton – 9
• Daichi Kamada – 7
• Tyrick Mitchell – 7
• Ismaila Sarr – 8
• Yeremy Pino – 7
• Jean-Philippe Mateta – 7

Substitutes

• Jorgen Strand Larsen (on for Mateta 76′) – 6
• Evann Guessand (on for Pino 80′) – 6