- Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
- Eagles win the UEFA Conference League
- Oliver Glasner ends reign with European trophy
Crystal Palace bid farewell to Oliver Glasner by winning their first-ever European trophy and beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final.
The first half was a cagey affair as the two sides felt each other out. The best chance fell to Tyrick Mitchell just before half-time, but he headed wide after meeting Adam Wharton’s cross.
Palace were dominant in the second half and turned the screw in Leipzig. Jean-Philippe Mateta came to the fore, pouncing on a loose ball after Augusto Batalla saved Wharton’s low-driven shot.
A glorious moment for Mateta and he sent the visiting Eagles supporters into euphoria. From then on out, Oliver Glasner’s men controlled proceedings and really should have added to their lead.
Yeremy Pino sent a superb free kick crashing off both posts and somehow not into the back of the net.
Crystal Palace player ratings
Dean Henderson – 7/10
Didn’t have much to do, but when he was called upon, the Palace captain did what he had to do. Part of that came from his presence between the sticks, constantly coming out to prevent Vallecano when they advanced towards goal.
Daniel Munoz – 7.5/10
Another warrior-esque display to add to his long list of outstanding performances in a Palace shirt. His energy and persistence gave Vallecano problems on both sides of the pitch.
Jaydee Canvot – 7.5/10
The French youngster makes everything look easy and you feel at ease watching him defend. He did get troubled in the last 20 minutes when Vallecano tried to find gaps but he cleaned up shop for the most part.
Maxence Lacroix – 7.5/10
A leader who handled the Vallecano attack with a dominant display at the back. Nights like tonight explain just why France have called him up for the World Cup and perhaps Didier Deschamps will be considering him for a starting role.
Chadi Riad – 8/10
Called upon due to Chris Richards’ absence and he didn’t put a foot wrong. The Moroccan showed maturity beyond his years and reminded many that the Eagles have four top-quality centre-backs.
Tyrick Mitchell – 9/10
It is quite simply astonishing that Thomas Tuchel snubbed the Palace left wing-back and nobody other than Palace fans complained. He has been unbelievably consistent and tonight he yet again proved why he is one of the best wing-backs in Europe.
Bombing up and down the wing and even proving effective in attack. He was a workhorse throughout and didn’t give Jorge de Frutos a sniff.
Adam Wharton – 9/10
A world-class performance from the best player on the pitch, and again, Tuchel obviously can’t have been watching him to leave him out of his England squad. The German will probably be ruing that decision after seeing Wharton pull the strings in Leipzig.
Wharton’s composure allowed Palace to relax and play their football in the second half. He’s an absolute gem who continues to shine.
Daichi Kamada – 7.5/10
Not quite his best performance for the South Londoners but effective as usual. He worked his absolute socks off in the middle of the park and allowed Wharton to work his magic.
Ismaila Sarr – 7.5/10
Unable to add to his tally, but it needn’t matter, he picked up the Golden Boot. Whenever he surged forward he did so with purpose and he often had the better of Andrei Ratiu down the right flank.
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 8.5/10
Put in his usual difficult marksman performance in the first half, running onto loose balls and using his tall frame to bring others into play. In the second half, Palace’s monster was unleashed, bullying defenders and scoring the winner.
Yeremy Pino – 8/10
Other than the decision over Richards, Glasner had to decide whether to continue with Yeremy Pino or start Evann Guessand. He went with the Spanish attacker, and it proved the right decision as he flourished out on the left.
Pino was unfortunate not to score from a brilliant free-kick attempt in the second half. He’s more than living up to expectations now.
Substitutes
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 7/10
Wasn’t too involved but did what he needed to do when Vallecano were trying to find an equaliser.
Evann Guessand – 7/10
A decent enough cameo outing from the Ivorian.
