Crystal Palace have written a new chapter in the club’s history after winning the 2026 UEFA Europa Conference League, securing the first major European trophy in their 175-year existence.
The English side defeated Spanish club Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final played at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, on Wednesday night.
French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal of the match early in the second half to hand the Eagles a famous victory.
The triumph marks Crystal Palace’s first-ever European title and continues the impressive rise of the South London club under manager Oliver Glasner.
The Austrian coach, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, guided Palace to one of the most successful periods in their history.
Crystal Palace have now become the third English club to win the competition after West Ham United lifted the trophy in 2023 and Chelsea won it in 2025.
The road to the final was impressive for Palace. They overcame clubs including Fiorentina and Shakhtar Donetsk before edging past Rayo Vallecano in the final.
UEFA described the club’s campaign as a remarkable achievement in their debut season in the competition.
The victory also guarantees Crystal Palace a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League, giving the club another opportunity to compete on the European stage.
For a club that had never previously won an European trophy, the 2026 Conference League success will be remembered as a historic and unforgettable achievement for the Eagles and their supporters around the world.
