Crystal Palace won their first European Trophy by beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the Conference League final. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half goal proved to be the difference maker.
Oliver Glasner, the boss of Crystal Palace, will be leaving the club this season after an epic performance in the FA Cup and Community Shield last season.
Mateta, the lone scorer in the final, nearly left the Eagles in January. A knee issue denied him the medical clearance for a move to AC Milan. This move left some unhappy with his choice.
However, Mateta vowed to give 100 percent on the field to Glasner and his teammates. He redeemed himself by scoring at the most crucial time in the Palace’s history.
Here is what Mateta said after the game. “I feel fantastic! I feel fantastic! We did it! First time in Europe, we did it! Now I just want to celebrate, I just want to party.”
“It’s incredible. We did everything. I told you about the intensity we’re going to put. I’m tired right now. I gave everything.”
Adam Wharton was a concern for the Eagles, but Glasner promised that he would only start with players who are 100 percent fit before the game. Wharton started the lineup, while Chris Richards began the game on the bench.
Many had arrived at the Red Bull Arena, but more than 10,000 fans who had not made the trip gathered in Selhurst Park. Mateta paid tribute to the fans who supported them through thick and thin.
Mateta said, “I’m always with them. They support me as a player a lot, and as a team. They’re always behind us, and we did that for them, too.”
Early in the game, Florian Lejeune stopped the early run of Ismaila Sarr. After that, Dean Henderson was called in to collect two Rayo crosses.
The Spanish side threatened them just before the half-time when Brazilian forward Alemao connected a cross. But nothing came from it.
In the 51st minute, Mateta connected one and celebrated with his usual flag-kicking.
After that, the game continued with ease, and neither team was able to advance.
