Crystal Palace Win 2025/26 Europa Conference League Final with 1–0 Victory Over Rayo Vallecano

Crystal Palace were crowned 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League champions after a hard-fought 1–0 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena, sealing European silverware in a tightly contested final.

Even First Half as Both Sides Cancel Out

The final began cautiously, with neither side able to break the deadlock before half-time. Crystal Palace enjoyed spells of possession and attacking pressure, but Rayo Vallecano remained organised and limited clear chances, ensuring the teams went into the break level at 0–0.

Mateta Strikes the Decisive Blow

The breakthrough came early in the second half when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the net in the 51st minute to give Crystal Palace a crucial lead.

From that point, Palace managed the game effectively, staying compact defensively and frustrating Rayo Vallecano, who struggled to convert possession into clear goal-scoring opportunities.

Palace Hold Firm Under Pressure

Rayo Vallecano controlled more of the ball in the second half with 58% possession, but Crystal Palace created the better chances overall, finishing with more shots on target and greater attacking efficiency.

Despite late pressure, Palace’s defensive structure held strong to secure their first major European trophy.

Match Statistics

Final Score: Crystal Palace 1–0 Rayo Vallecano
Half-Time: 0–0
Full-Time: 1–0
Venue: Red Bull Arena
Referee: Maurizio Mariani
Possession: Crystal Palace 42% – 58% Rayo Vallecano
Shots on Target: Crystal Palace 3 – 1 Rayo Vallecano
Shots off Target: Crystal Palace 5 – 9 Rayo Vallecano
Corners: Crystal Palace 4 – 1 Rayo Vallecano

Goal

51’ Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Starting XI

Dean Henderson; Daniel Muñoz, Maxence Lacroix, Joël Canvot, Chadi Riad; Tyrick Mitchell, Yéremy Pino, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton; Ismaïla Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Conclusion

Crystal Palace delivered a disciplined and clinical performance to edge past Rayo Vallecano and secure the 2025/26 Europa Conference League title, with Mateta’s decisive strike proving the difference in a tense final.