SOCCER: Mateta strike hands Crystal Palace Conference League title

LEIPZIG, Germany – Crystal Palace claimed their first European trophy as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, marking a perfect farewell for manager Oliver Glasner.

The breakthrough came in the 51st minute. Adam Wharton’s shot from the edge of the box was parried by Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, allowing Mateta to tap in the rebound from close range.

Rayo Vallecano nearly responded when Yeremy Pino’s free kick struck both posts, and Mateta forced another fine save from Batalla as Palace searched for a second goal they ultimately did not need.

With this win, Palace became the third English club in four years to lift the Conference League trophy, following West Ham United and Chelsea. Glasner, who announced in January that he would leave Selhurst Park, departed the club on a high note. -Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters