Crystal Palace win first European trophy at Conference League final

Crystal Palace have won their first European trophy after a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final.

The goal came thanks to France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta early in the second half, who managed to rebound a strike from his teammate Adam Wharton.

Both teams were competing in their first European final, which was held in the German city Leipzig.

The win also means that their boss Oliver Glasner, who is leaving the club after two-and-a-half-years, will go out on a high.

This isn't the only trophy Glasner has helped his team win, with an FA Cup win over Manchester City, and a Community Shield win over Liverpool.

Until lifting the FA Cup last season, Crystal Palace had never won a major trophy.

The team have had to overcome several big challenges in recent times, after being forced to drop down from the Europa League to Europe's third-tier competition in 2025 because of ownership issues.

They also suffered a shock FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield and finished 15th in the Premier League.

Palace also saw two key players leave the team, with Eberechi Eze sold to Arsenal last summer and Marc Guehi joining City in January.

They will now be able to compete in Europe again, as their Conference League win, guarantees Europa League football next season.

Palace are the second English team to win a European trophy this term, following Europa League champions Aston Villa.