SOCCER: Palace finally back in Europa League after Conference triumph

Crystal Palace were in jubilant mood on Wednesday after defeating Rayo Vallecano to lift the UEFA Conference League trophy, marking one of the greatest days in the club’s history and a perfect send-off for Austrian coach Oliver Glasner.

The London side had originally been set to compete in the more prestigious Europa League but dropped to Europe’s third-tier tournament due to multi-club ownership rules. Their 1-0 victory over the Spanish LaLiga team in Leipzig, courtesy of a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta, now secures their return to the Europa League next season.

“Now Crystal Palace is where they should be,” said Glasner, 51, following his final match in charge. “The Europa League is one year delayed … but the club, the fans, the players get what they deserve.”

Fans celebrated wildly at the Red Bull Arena, with thousands more taking to the streets of Leipzig and others gathering at Selhurst Park in south London to watch the match on screens.

“I feel fantastic,” said Mateta, shouting and jumping for joy on the pitch. “We did it. First time in Europe. Now I just want to celebrate. I just want to party.”

Third Trophy Under Glasner

Palace’s first European title — achieved in their debut European campaign — adds to the two domestic trophies won last year, the FA Cup and the Community Shield, during Glasner’s remarkable tenure since February 2024.

“It’s something you dream of, but you don’t think it’s reality,” said left-back Tyrick Mitchell, a Crystal Palace academy graduate. “I’m just proud of everyone, past and present, that helped us get to this point.”

Midfielder Adam Wharton, who missed the FA Cup celebrations due to a head injury, expressed excitement about making up for it after the Conference League final — albeit with a brief delay for a routine doping test.

“It’s incredible. You see what it means to south London, the fans,” he said. “I missed the FA Cup last year, so I’ve got two celebrations to catch up on.”

Wharton and other players heaped praise on their manager.

“Good Guys Win in the End”

“The difference he’s made in two-and-a-half years is incredible. First three trophies in the history of the club. First European competition. Winning it. Unbelievable,” Wharton said. “He has to be one of the best managers Palace have ever had … He’s completely changed the way the club approaches competitions.”

Club chairman Steve Parish reflected on the novelty of European competition for Palace, saying that winning the tournament was still sinking in.

“It has been an incredible season with 60 games played — from the low of an FA Cup exit against non-league opposition to Wednesday’s dazzling European success,” Parish said. “When I bought the club, I wasn’t sure we’d ever play in Europe, let alone win a trophy. It’s a dream come true. The players, the staff, all the ups and downs this season — it’s brilliant to get here and secure our place in the Europa League. Sometimes the good guys win in the end.”

-Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters