'120 years without a trophy and now they have three'published at 07:20 BST 28 May
07:20 BST 28 May
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BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball on the full-time whistle in Leipzig: "I can see the whistle in the referee's lips... they have done it!
"It's another trophy for Crystal Palace. What an incredible 12 months it has been for this football club.
"Just over a year ago, it was the FA Cup final at Wembley, won by Eberechi Eze, and now a year later - on a beautiful night in Leipzig - they celebrate again.
"They win a European trophy in their first ever European campaign and the Community Shield has come in between all that as well.
"120 years without a trophy and now they have three in the cabinet.
"What a night for Crystal Palace, what a win for the fans and what a job Oliver Glasner and his players have done to give these fans a night they will never, ever forget.
"Jean-Philippe Mateta with the winner means the celebrations - once again - belong to Crystal Palace. They have won in Europe."
Bob: 58 years supporting the Palace - it has been worth the wait! Thank you, Mr Glasner.
PJ: Superb performance from Palace and how Adam Wharton hasn't made the England squad is unbelievable.
Eamonn: I was too nervous to watch. But it's vindication for us being denied the Europa League last year. We may have done it the hard way, but now we can look forward to next season and hope the dreams come true again.
Al: Champions of the Conference League - I am in dreamland. South London and proud. Thank you, Oliver Glasner. Total respect to the Rayo fans who stayed to applaud their team. What class. Europa League, here we come!
'Sometimes the good guys win' - What Glasner and Parish saidpublished at 06:32 BST 28 May
06:32 BST 28 May
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a game how we expected it but I think we played incredibly 15 minutes after half-time. Then we defended so well. A fantastic evening. This group of players, fans they deserve to win it.
"I see myself as part of this group. As manager you can't do anything alone, you need a great staff, great football players. That is what this group is. They stick together. We created that mindset that everything is possible if you work hard. My mindset in life is if you invest in something you get something back, in your job, sports, family, friends, kids. Today we had the pay off."
On his Jurgen Klinsmann-style slide after the win: "Daichi Kamada asked me to do it. They watered it. I'm still very quick. It's good for an almost 52-year-old."
On his looming exit: "In London, the fans say thank you to us for giving them the best days. I say thank you to the players because it's the same for me. These are great and incredible days in my life. They are always listening, supporting me, trusting in me and believe in what I told them. I can be very demanding. A huge thank you to the players, the staff who supported me and our fans who were incredible tonight.
"I took this decision. It's a chapter. A good chapter. But other chapters will follow. I said to the players, get now what you deserve - the Europa League. Now, one year delay, the club, fans players get what they deserve."
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace co-owner Steve Parish speaking to TNT Sports: "Even to be in Europe, it's so good, travelling around. Then to come and win it is just incredible. All the ups and downs this season we've had, it's just brilliant to get to this point. Getting to the Europa League where we deserve in the end, it just shows you, sometimes the good guys win.
"To win an FA Cup, a Community Shield, a European title at the first time asking - an incredible achievement. It means everything. When I bought the club, I wasn't sure we'd ever play in Europe, let alone win a trophy. It's all of our dreams come true. Now we've had a taste of it we want to keep it going.
"We have gone up a level, we have to try and stay there. It's not easy. Everybody wants to win. We have our work cut out in the summer but right now we'll take a week and enjoy it."
Palace's magical night in picturespublished at 06:32 BST 28 May
06:32 BST 28 May
Image source, Getty Images
January brought the chill of Macclesfield.
May delivered the sun and shimmer of silverware in Leipzig.
One flick of a Jean-Philippe Mateta leg and the ripple of a net ushered in a new era for Crystal Palace - winners in Europe. There will always be Wembley but now there are continental moments to cherish forever.
Image source, Getty Images
Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Memories made for a lifetime. Listen to the noise after the final whistle. The Crystal Palace supporters have done themselves proud and their team has done them proud. It's not been the prettiest of games at times but they have worked hard and stuck to the game plan. The big players, Wharton and Mateta, stepped up when it was asked of them and they have got it over the line against a difficult opponent."
Palace are getting familiar with that winning feeling. But ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle encouraged them to truly savour it, however hard that may be.
"You try and take it in but it's tough to take in," Hoddle explained. "You wish sometimes you could go back there, and bottle it. With a final there's a build of tension and then this release.
"Palace are drilled. It just shows with a little hard work and belief, you can achieve anything in football. This is justice; they should have been in the Europa League and now they have qualified for it next year."
While Oliver Glasner slid on his chest on the Leipzig turf, some fans watched back at a venue in Croydon, with pints of refreshment air born on this night to remember.
Image source, Getty Images
Glasner was at the heart of it all. Palace's departing head coach, now an iconic figure of success for every generation of Eagles fan.
BBC Sport's Phil McNulty shared his views on X, stating: "Glasner a coach with a positive attacking outlook, always looking up rather than managing expectations down. He will be missed at Crystal Palace but won't be short of offers."
But is there any route to a change of decision for Glasner before his exit?
Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Robinson explained: "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?"
Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison added: "I went to a Palace game about a month ago and thought surely he is going to be staying.
"There's no more jobs, but the club were adamant that Glasner has made his mind up, and he wants a different challenge, even if he has to wait.
"He is one of those. Once he makes his mind up, he sticks with it. But you never know. I hope he does stay, but I don't think he will."
Image source, Getty Images
The back page of Friday's Express carried the headline 'Palace in Wonderland'.
While headline writers were finding apt words, fans watching on a big screen at Selhurst Park took to the pitch.
Meanwhile, as Freed From Desire played and fans danced in Leipzig, the club's social media staff were quick to inform followers the biography on X had been updated.
And Mateta's magic knew no bounds. The tag of match-winner was seemingly not enough as he reached for one photographer's camera.
Image source, Getty Images
One does however have to question - could he possibly have taken a more satisfying and magical picture than this?
Crystal Palace - Europa Conference League winners.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Players react to historic winpublished at 22:41 BST 27 May
22:41 BST 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace goalscorer Jean-Philippe Mateta, speaking to TNT Sports: "I feel fantastic. We did it. First time in Europe. I just want to celebrate, and I just want to party."
Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's something you dream of, but you don't think it's reality. Today we showed it's reality. I am just proud of everyone past and present that helped us get to this point.
"We played 60 games this season. We had times when we weren't winning. But if it all meant that we got here and won it we'd do it all over again.
"It's amazing. The same feeling as when we won the FA Cup. Just pure delight."
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, speaking to TNT Sports about Oliver Glasner: "Last game as Palace manager - the difference he has made in two and half years is incredible. He has got to be one of the best managers Palace has ever had.
"He has made a massive difference for how the club looks at competitions. We are not just looking to stay in the Premier League and be in Europe, we are looking to win it and be as high as possible.
"I missed out on the FA Cup celebrations last year, so I am going to make up for it this year. You can't put the feeling into words – it is incredible."
Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson, speaking to TNT Sports: "These boys - they amaze me. It is very special tonight. They have run around all year. We have had difficult times throughout the season, but on nights like this the boys deliver.
"There is a mixture of emotions. It is like a weight lifted off your shoulders as you want to deliver.
"The manager deserves his send-off and this is how it should have ended."
Did you know?
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta was the third Frenchman to score for an English club in a major European final after Paul Pogba with Man Utd (2017 Europa League) and Olivier Giroud with Chelsea (2019 Europa League).
Maxence Lacroix and Tyrick Mitchell both made their 55th appearances of the season for Crystal Palace - only Harvey Barnes (57) and Martín Zubimendi (56) have made more among Premier League players this term across all competitions.
It's Conference League glory for Palace! Tell us how you're feelingpublished at 21:58 BST 27 May
21:58 BST 27 May
Jean-Philippe Mateta fired Crystal Palace to their first European trophy as the Eagles edged out Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the Conference League final in Leipzig on Wednesday.
Outgoing Palace boss Oliver Glasner leaves the club having led them to the FA Cup, Community Shield and now the Conference League in a remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell at Selhurst Park.
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you're feeling.
There's a South London takeover in Leipzig right now.
Crystal Palace are nearing a nerve-filled season finale which will deliver either European glory - the type few Eagles fans perhaps ever dreamt up - or crushing disappointment. Such is the life of a football fan.
These fans seem to care little for life on the precipice of such extremes. Some march in their thousands, some sip pints in heat-trapping attire.
"It's hard to believe," says ex-Palace defender Scott Dann.
"Over the last 12 months, these dreams start to become reality with the FA Cup and Community Shield.
"Going back six or seven years ago we would have loved to but it did feel quite far away. Now, it feels like it's the right time."
It is indeed the right time. The right time for refreshment, for soaking up every memory and for embracing the fine edge between glory and heartbreak.
This is your Palace page. Come back for team news and all the post-match reaction.
Eagles in Leipzig - masks, expectation and smilespublished at 15:35 BST 27 May
15:35 BST 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
"I'm buzzing".
The simple words offered by ex-Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward at a fan zone in Leipzig.
His former team-mates are just hours away from taking on Rayo Vallecano with the chance to land a first European honour just one win away.
"To be here to experience it, be a part of it and hopefully win another piece of silverware in two years, it would be incredible," Ward told the club's social media channels.
"When you get a taste of it and start to see the success - to be involved in winning the FA Cup - you kind of got a sense that anything is possible. I am not surprised with the work the gaffer has put in during his time at the club. He always says what you invest you get out."
Image source, Getty Images
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Some fans in Lepizig have opted to disguise themselves as Chris Richards
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Others have gone for the Daichi Kamada look
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While the vast majority are wearing club colours, sunglasses and, most importantly, smiles
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Some Rayo fans meanwhile have brought some smoke to accompany the sunshine
Palace and Rayo set for fine‑margin finalpublished at 15:34 BST 27 May
15:34 BST 27 May
Prudent Nsengiyumva Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano have taken very different routes to the final, but the numbers suggest a tight contest between two of the competition's most dangerous attacking sides.
Both teams have scored freely and won eight matches or ties on their way to Leipzig. They also have identical defensive records - five clean sheets and 12 goals conceded - underlining how little separates them.
Palace reached the final as the competition's most productive attacking side. Their 25-goal tally is the highest in this season's Conference League, and no team has taken more shots or hit the target more often.
The numbers behind those chances tell the same story. Palace's expected goals figure of 31.3 is the best in the tournament, showing how often they work the ball into dangerous areas rather than relying on hopeful efforts.
Their run has been built on pressure. Oliver Glasner's side play on the front foot, create plenty of chances and force goalkeepers into regular action. Six goals from set-pieces add another layer to their threat, giving them a reliable outlet when open play becomes tight.
Their attacking firepower has carried them through the knockout rounds and remains their clearest route to the first European trophy in the club's history.
Rayo Vallecano rank just behind Palace in most attacking metrics - 22 goals, 204 shots and 70 efforts on target - but their efficiency stands out.
Their expected goals total of 20.1 is only the seventh-highest in the competition, yet they have outscored almost everyone. That gap between chance quality and output shows a side that makes the most of the moments they create.
Where Palace overwhelm teams, Rayo punish mistakes. They have earned two penalties in the competition - compared to Palace's one spot-kick - and their finishing has kept them in every tie. Set-pieces have been a smaller part of their armoury, with five goals from dead‑ball situations, but they remain a threat when chances arrive.
With two sides who attack in different ways but defend with similar discipline, the final may come down to one decisive moment.
Counting down to kick-off in Leipzig...published at 13:54 BST 27 May
13:54 BST 27 May
We asked for your feelings before a first-ever major European final for Crystal Palace as the club look to finish the season on a high.
A European trophy is up for grabs in Leipzig with the chance to make more history under departing manager Oliver Glasner.
Here are some of your pictures and stories from Germany so far...
Image source, Mark
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Mark: A day that I never thought would happen, it's a 'pinch yourself moment' to experience this with my 14-year-old son. It's something very, very special.
Image source, Chris
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Chris: Look who we met in town today!
Image source, Tresbon
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Tresbon: Huge numbers of Palace in town the night before the match, hour-long waits for refreshments tells its own story! Being half-term means great groups of families making this something really special for the good people of South London.
Image source, Stuart
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Stuart: Arrived in Leipzig earlier today. Steve Parish and Mark Bright have been walking around the fan zone greeting supporters. Here's me with Mark Bright.
Image source, Joanne
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Joanne: We're on our way, we're on our way… We're off to Leipzig we're on our way!
'6/10, with potential to boost to 10/10' - season report cardpublished at 09:08 BST 27 May
09:08 BST 27 May
Ellie Killick Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?
6/10, with potential to boost to 10/10 if we win the Conference League. It's been a weird season. It started with Eberechi Eze's departure - a loss I thought would hurt us a lot more than it did - but we started the season really well, extending our unbeaten streak to 14 games, including doing the treble over Liverpool. We had our ups and downs, but the European success has made me proud to be a Palace fan.
Best moment and why?
Our first European tour! It's such a surreal feeling following your team overseas. I was fortunate enough to attend the game against Shelbourne in the Republic or Ireland and seeing the city full of red and blue, with our chants being heard for miles, was a very special moment. Like Oliver Glasner said in his goodbye speech, the best moment is yet to come on Wednesday night as we travel to Leipzig for the ultimate European final experience.
Player of season and why?
It's out of two players for me - Adam Wharton and Ismailia Sarr - but I'm giving it to Sarr. When he was at Afcon, his absence was dearly noticed. His form in front of goal has been a huge part of our success - scoring 21 goals, including crucial ones on the road to Leipzig.
Unsung hero and why?
Tyrick Mitchell. He may not be totally unsung but he definitely is underrated. This season he has developed into an all-round full-back- defensively strong but also able to help out in the attack. He was unfortunate to miss out on the England squad along with Wharton.
Biggest disappointment?
January was painful for Palace fans. We lost to National League side Macclesfield, and then came Glasner and Marc Guehi's departure announcements, which shocked the team and fandom. The energy around the club felt very negative, alongside the drama surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta. Thankfully, as time progressed, the tables turned and both Glasner and Mateta proved their commitment to the club.
What needs to change this summer?
Our squad depth because Europe definitely hurt us when it came to the league this season. Playing three games in a week is no easy feat and the squad wasn't prepared. Maxence Lacroix has played 54 out of 59 games and that isn't sustainable, so more signings are a must.
My major hope for next season is
More success in Europe and lots of fun away trips!
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Henderson eyes 'huge honour'published at 08:44 BST 27 May
08:44 BST 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson says it would be a "huge honour" to lift the Conference League trophy in front of the travelling supporters in Leipzig on Wednesday night.
Outgoing boss Oliver Glasner led the club to their first major trophy in 2024-25 when they won the FA Cup, and now the Eagles are just one step away from lifting European silverware in their first-ever European campaign.
"It would be a huge honour to lift the trophy," Henderson said in his pre-match news conference. "But, ultimately, I've got to focus on the process and not the outcome at this moment in time.
"There is a lot of excitement and I am really looking forward to the game. All of the boys are pretty calm. We have been here before so we know what it takes. We are just focused and excited to show what we can do."
On the importance of having longer-term absentees Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah in the travelling squad, he said: "It is great to have the boys with us.
"They have worked so hard throughout this season and they have had their own setbacks. It is difficult for them, and we live the pain with them as well.
"It will be great for them to be in and around it. Hopefully we can give them something to celebrate."
Henderson also admitted that Glasner, who is set to leave Palace after Wednesday night's final, will be "a huge miss" at Selhurst Park.
"I think he knows that [from Monday's training session]," he added. "The players did a send-off video for him and we all spoke from the heart."
Glasner on 'big-game' Kamada, head tennis and a 'fantastic ending'published at 19:01 BST 26 May
19:01 BST 26 May
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Adam Wharton and Chris Richards were both "available in training" on Tuesday, however Glasner didn't reveal if they will make the starting XI.
He explained: "Our final training session was 36 hours before the game. Our medical department will be working hard, but we will only name a starting XI that is 100% fit. If either player doesn't feel 100% fit or I have some concerns, they won't start. The final decision will be taken on Wednesday."
Daichi Kamada was partly rested against Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season due to being a "big-game player".
However, Crystal Palace will need "every single player ready to help the team" against Rayo Vallecano, as he recalled making six substitutions in his only other European final as a manager.
On what their "quite relaxed" final 24 hours of preparations will look like: "It will be a longer day than the FA Cup final because that one started at 16:30 and this one starts at 21:00 local time. If we haven't done something at this stage, we can't do it tomorrow. We had a meeting last week and today around our tactics, and we've already watched many of their La Liga and Europa Conference League games."
Glasner added: "After this [news conference], we will go for dinner. I don't know what the players are doing after. They are all adults so they can spend their evening how they wish. I hope nobody goes into a bar, although I'm pretty sure they won't!"
He admitted that head tennis is "one of the best moments" leading up to a big final, as it is like watching "kids play football" and it gives him a "good idea" of how his players are feeling.
On Dean Henderson's comment that winning the Europa Conference League would "finish his movie off" at the club, he said: "It would mean a lot, not just for me personally but for the whole group. It will be our 60th game of the season, so it would mean a lot to me if we could have a fantastic ending."
However, he hasn't allowed himself to dream about lifting the trophy: "I don't think like this. The players organised a nice farewell for me today and I said a few words. I told them that the best thing would be to win, but mainly for the club being in Europe next season. That would make me very happy."
When asked why Basque managers, such as Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez, are doing well on the European stage, he replied in jest: "I will have to go there this summer and see what they are eating because it must be something good! They are doing something really well there. What the secret is? I don't know."
Heading to Leipzig? Send us your photos and storiespublished at 12:29 BST 26 May
12:29 BST 26 May
Image source, Getty Images
Are you making the trip to see if Crystal Palace can win their first European trophy? We want your tales and pics from your travels and to hear about how you're soaking up the atmosphere.
And if you're not lucky enough to be in Leipzig, we still want to know where you're watching from and how you're preparing for Wednesday's showdown against Rayo Vallecano.
'A strange season from star player sales to unrest to potential glory'published at 08:04 BST 26 May
08:04 BST 26 May
Image source, Getty Images
Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.
Prediction: 9th
This has been a strange season for Crystal Palace and manager Oliver Glasner - going from the sale of star players to unrest and then on to potential glory.
A mid-season slump meant the holders suffered a humiliating FA Cup third-round loss to non-league Macclesfield, Marc Guehi left for Manchester City, then Glasner announced he was leaving at the end of the season.
However, Palace remained a side with class in all departments, and now they have the chance of adding another major trophy when they face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
It would be the perfect ending.
What I said in August: "Palace's fortunes, and consequently their league placing, will inevitably be shaped by the fortunes of two of their most influential figures, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi."
