- Vallecano end LaLiga season in style
- Palace’s form far from ideal
- European priority must continue
Crystal Palace are preparing for the biggest game in their history as the Conference League final in Leipzig gets ever closer. Palace will face Madrid based Rayo Vallecano, who will play in the first final in their history.
Palace’s form has not been particularly impressive at any point this season, but their recent Premier League form has been slightly stronger. This has come naturally as Palace and Oliver Glasner have prioritised the Conference League.
The Spanish top flight has been incredibly competitive, and until the final matchday, there was still jeopardy for every club. Vallecano were, just a few weeks ago, looking over their shoulders fearing the drop, but finished the season just one place outside of the European positions.
Their recent form has been somewhat of a miracle, considering a handful of off-pitch ongoings.
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Vallecano’s incredible form
Iñigo Pérez’s side have not lost a game in their last nine games in all competitions. Their last defeat came back in the first week of April when Vallecano lost the second leg of their quarter final tie against AEK Larnaca 3-1, but progressed with an aggregate victory of 4-3.
Six of their last nine games have resulted in wins for Vallecano, including a double over RC Strasbourg in the semi final of the Conference League, and a 2-0 victory over 3rd placed Villarreal in a recent LaLiga game.
Vallecano’s final league game of the season was played on Saturday, with Pérez’s side beating Deportivo Alavés 2-1 away from home. The win secured an 8th place finish for Vallecano, one place outside of the European spots in LaLiga.
Therefore the Conference League final, like Palace, is their final chance of securing European football next season.
Palace’s dismal run
In contrast to Vallecano’s form, Palace’s recent run makes for tough reading. Oliver Glasner’s side have only one one game in the Premier League since March 12th, with a 2-1 win over Newcastle the only win since that date that didn’t come in the Conference League.
Palace’s best performances have certainly come in their European fixtures, and that should serve as a comforting factor to Palace fans.
Whilst the Premier League form has been truly dismal, Palace secured their Premier League safety early in the season after their superb start to the campaign. This meant that Glasner could focus solely on the Conference League.
Palace fans will be hoping that Glasner can mastermind another excellent European game and make further history on his final game with the club.
