Crystal Palace clinched the UEFA Conference League title with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27, 2026, marking Oliver Glasner's final match as manager [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the lone goal in the final, wearing number 1, to seal the victory for Palace [3, 6, 4].

Glasner led Palace to their first European trophy after his appointment in February 2024, ending more than two years at the club on a high note. He described the win as a "perfect ending" and said, "When you watch a movie, when you read a book, you always hope that there is a happy ending" [7, 8, 3, 4].

Under Glasner's management, Crystal Palace also won the 2025 FA Cup and the 2025 Community Shield, bringing their total trophies in the last 12 months to three [7, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League this season due to UEFA's multi-club ownership rules involving club owner John Textor, but winning the Conference League secures their spot in the 2026-27 Europa League [1, 2, 9, 3, 4].

Captain Dean Henderson took over leadership after Marc Guéhi's midseason transfer to Manchester City, helping steady the team [7, 2, 9, 6]. Despite a dip in form and fan criticism following Glasner's January announcement that he would leave at the season’s end, the team responded on the pitch. Glasner urged players to "play for themselves, the club, and fans, not just for me," emphasizing collective effort [7, 8].

Adam Wharton was named man of the match despite playing with a swollen ankle, managing to contribute effectively while managing pain and limited mobility [1, 3, 4]. Glasner praised the players, saying, "The players deserve all the credit because they have to trust me and work very hard" [3].

Club chairman Steve Parish called the achievement "an amazing achievement" and praised the club’s progress from uncertain European prospects to trophy winners, declaring it "a dream come true" [6]. Approximately 15,000 Palace supporters were expected in Leipzig to support the team for the final [9].

Glasner, who announced his departure in January 2026, has no immediate plans for his next job. He said he intends to "celebrate and rest," focusing fully on enjoying the final moments with the players [5].