Conference League final in Leipzig
Next triumph for Glasner: Crystal Palace wins the title
Updated May 27, 2026 – 11:05 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
At Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner is already a coaching legend after winning the FA Cup. On Wednesday the Austrian crowned himself with another title.
Crystal Palace has done it: The Premier League club has won the Conference League. The team of former Bundesliga coach Oliver Glasner (Wolfsburg, Frankfurt) defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final. Former Mainz player Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal in front of around 40,000 spectators in Leipzig shortly after the break (51st minute).
For Crystal Palace it is the first international title in the club’s history and the third cup overall. The “Eagles” achieved all three triumphs under Oliver Glasner, who is leaving the club in the summer. It would also have been the first international title for Rayo Vallecano.
That’s how the game went
At first, however, the attention was not on the historical significance of the game for both teams, but on the fans, some of whom were prepared to use violence. The evening before the final, supporters of both teams met in downtown Leipzig. Beer glasses, bottles and any tangible bar seating flew. Police said 320 fans were being investigated for breach of the peace. The measure lasted until shortly after three in the morning.
On the day of the game itself, things remained quiet. The supporters of both teams created a huge atmosphere in the stadium and produced a high volume. In addition, choreographies worth seeing were rolled out.
The game couldn’t keep up with that for a long time. Duels were fought with a high degree of aggression, and both teams were extremely willing to run. That was to the detriment of the game. Neither Palace nor Rayo managed a shot on goal in the first half. However, there were three upsets. After 21 minutes, Yéremy Pino was on his way to the Rayo goal, but was fouled by Pathé Ciss. Referee Maurizio Mariani showed the yellow card, although an emergency stop would also have been conceivable.
After around 35 minutes, the game was interrupted for around three minutes. A Vallecano fan apparently fell down a flight of stairs and needed medical attention.
Palace had their big chance in stoppage time in the first half. Adam Wharton crossed from the back into the penalty area, but Tyrick Mitchell (45.+1), who was completely free to finish, headed the ball next to the goal.
After the restart, Wharton had another idea. Instead of crossing, the national player shot from around 20 meters. Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla deflected the ball forward – directly onto Mateta’s foot. The goal gave Palace a boost – and great opportunities. A free kick from Pino (55th) landed at the left post and from there jumped to the right. Two minutes later, Mateta was in the right position again, but this time Batalla steered the ball around the post.
