Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano LIVE: Result and reaction as Palace win first European trophy in Conference League final

Speaking to TNT Sports, he added: “We played 60 games this season and so many of our bodies are not used to it.

“There was a few times where we weren’t winning, but if it all meant that we got here and won it we would do it all over again.”

The Crystal Palace defender said: “It’s something you dream of but you don’t think is reality.

“We have made it a reality I am proud of everyone, past and present, that helped us get to this point.”

Glenn Hoddle spoke on TNT Sports. He said: “This is justice; they should have been in the Europa League and now they have qualified for it next year.”

Paul Robinson, former England goalkeeper, said on BBC Radio 5 Live:

“I just don’t know if the chapter is finished.

“All the big jobs are closing if you look at Maresca to Man City, Mourinho back to Real Madrid, Alonso to Chelsea, for the big jobs the big names are all linked.

“I just don’t know. Is there any way that they can persuade Glasner?”

Crystal Palace lifted their first European trophy and punched their ticket to the Europa League after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half goal proved the difference during their 1-0 Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

It marked the final chapter of a fairytale run for Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who, after guiding the Eagles to an historic FA Cup triumph and the Community Shield last season, is departing the south London club after spearheading their most successful period in history.

Dean Henderson brings up the rear and picks up the trophy.

He shuffles into the middle of his teammates and hoists it aloft as Crystal Palace are crowned as winners of the 2026 Conference League!

Crystal Palace’s player give a guard of honour to Olvier Glasner who slides in between them on his chest.

He’s first up to take the winner’s medal and the players follow him, led by Adam Wharton.

There are plenty of smiles and hugs.

As always in major finals, there has to be a loser.

The Rayo Vallecano players look distraught and gutted at how close they came.

They played in the club’s first ever final and are still being applauded by their travelling fans.

There’s no waiting around for the result to sink in.

Rayo Vallecano’s players are heading up to the makeshift stage to receives their runners-up medals.

Their fans applaud them the entire way. They’ve stick around to encourage the team.