Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano LIVE
- REPORT: Crystal Palace secure first European trophy with Conference League glory
- Crystal Palace defeat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to win Conference League
- Jean-Philippe Mateta's goal is the difference between the teams in Leipzig
- Oliver Glasner wins another trophy in final game before summer departure
- The Eagles also qualify for Europa League next season
Wharton on Glasner
23:55 , Mike Jones
"Last game as Palace manager,” confirmed Adam Wharton when asked about Oliver Glasner’s impact.
“The difference he has made in two and a half years is incredible. Three trophies for Palace, the first three in the history of the club.
“First European competition and winning it. Unbelievable.
“He has got to be one of the best managers Palace have 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."
Wharton on Palace's gameplan
23:45 , Mike Jones
"We knew they were going to be tough to break down,” said the Crystal Palace midfielder.
“They are a very well-drilled team, they work hard, and they are one of the most intense teams in La Liga. The start was a bit cagey, as it always is in a final, but we grew into it and found where the spaces were and exploited them.
“We should have scored more goals and put it to bed, made it a bit easier for the fans, but we got the job done and it was a great performance."
'You can't put this feeling into words'
23:35 , Mike Jones
Adam Wharton missed Crystal Palace’s FA Cup celebrations last season but he’s thriving tonight.
He told TNT Sports: "I missed out on the FA Cup celebrations last year, so I'm definitely going to make up for it this year, 100%.
“You can't put the feeling into words. It's incredible. You can see what it means for south London. Just unbelievable."
Premier League dominance
23:25 , Mike Jones
Paul Robinson assessed the game on BBC Radio 5 Live. He explained: “Crystal Palace were the better side. We always talk about the Premier League and it being the strongest league [in the world].
“Two English teams have European competitions already and we have another one to come on Saturday. You see the dominance of the Premier League.
“Palace came into this game as favourites but in the first half it was edgy and they looked nervy. It's almost like Glasner said at half time, ‘You are better than them, believe in yourselves, and impose yourself., and that is exactly what they did and their goal was never troubled.”
'It's pure delight'
23:15 , Mike Jones
A final word from Tyrick Mitchell who said: "It's the same feeling that we had when we won the FA Cup; pure delight, pure emotion and we are just so happy we got it over the line."
More from Mitchell
23:05 , Mike Jones
Speaking to TNT Sports, he added: "We played 60 games this season and so many of our bodies are not used to it.
“There was a few times where we weren't winning, but if it all meant that we got here and won it we would do it all over again.”
Mitchell reacts to Conference League win
22:55 , Mike Jones
The Crystal Palace defender said: "It's something you dream of but you don't think is reality.
“We have made it a reality I am proud of everyone, past and present, that helped us get to this point.”
Crystal Palace celebrate Conference League win
22:46 , Mike Jones
This is justice
22:37 , Mike Jones
Glenn Hoddle spoke on TNT Sports. He said: “This is justice; they should have been in the Europa League and now they have qualified for it next year.”
Could Glasner stay?
22:36 , Mike Jones
Paul Robinson, former England goalkeeper, said on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“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?”
Crystal Palace secure first European trophy with Conference League glory
22:31 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace lifted their first European trophy and punched their ticket to the Europa League after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half goal proved the difference during their 1-0 Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
It marked the final chapter of a fairytale run for Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who, after guiding the Eagles to an historic FA Cup triumph and the Community Shield last season, is departing the south London club after spearheading their most successful period in history.
Crystal Palace secure first European trophy with Conference League glory
Crystal Palace are the 2026 Conference League winners
22:19 , Mike Jones
Dean Henderson brings up the rear and picks up the trophy.
He shuffles into the middle of his teammates and hoists it aloft as Crystal Palace are crowned as winners of the 2026 Conference League!
Palace prepare for trophy list
22:18 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace’s player give a guard of honour to Olvier Glasner who slides in between them on his chest.
He’s first up to take the winner’s medal and the players follow him, led by Adam Wharton.
There are plenty of smiles and hugs.
Rayo players gutted
22:17 , Mike Jones
As always in major finals, there has to be a loser.
The Rayo Vallecano players look distraught and gutted at how close they came.
They played in the club’s first ever final and are still being applauded by their travelling fans.
The trophy presentation
22:14 , Mike Jones
There’s no waiting around for the result to sink in.
Rayo Vallecano’s players are heading up to the makeshift stage to receives their runners-up medals.
Their fans applaud them the entire way. They’ve stick around to encourage the team.
Glasner wins another trophy
22:12 , Mike Jones
Before the game, Dean Henderson said Oliver Glasner was Crystal Palace’s greatest manager.
Well, in terms of trophies he certainly is.
He’s won the FA Cup, Community Shield and now the Conference League with the Eagles.
Crystal Palace win Conference League final
22:07 , Mike Jones
The score was close, so was the match, but it’s Palace who come out on top having swept Rayo Vallecano aside.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is giving an interview on the pitch.
“I feel fantastic!” he yells, “I just want to celebrate.”
FT Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
22:02 , Mike Jones
In truth, Palace were probably the better team and the celebrations have already begun.
The players are celebrating on the pitch, the fans are dancing in the stands.
Palace have won the Conference League in their very first European campaign.
Full-time! Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:57 , Mike Jones
90+5 mins: Crystal Palace have done it!
They are European champions and have won the Conference League.
Oliver Glasner has another trophy in his final game as the Eagles’ manager.
The Premier League have won the trophy for a third time in five years!
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:56 , Mike Jones
90+4 mins: Rayo get right up the field and launch a throw in into the box.
The shot comes from range and heads out for a goal kick.
Dean Henderson takes his time in getting the ball back into play.
Oliver Glasner has a look at the watch. About a minute or so to go.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:53 , Mike Jones
90+2 mins: Sarr brings the ball forward on the counter attack and wins a corner for Palace.
He stays down and tries to take a bit of time out of the game.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:52 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play.
Crystal Palace are five minutes away from historic, European glory!
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:52 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play.
Crystal Palace are five minutes away from historic, European glory!
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:49 , Mike Jones
87 mins: Time is ticking away for Rayo.
They’re sweeping forward but are being met with a wall of Palace defenders.
Can the Eagles keep them at bay?
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:46 , Mike Jones
84 mins: Yéremy Pino has also made way for Evann Guessand for Palace.
At the minute it’s the Premier League side defending deep and struggling to get out from the back.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:43 , Mike Jones
80 mins: Into the final 10 minutes of the 90 in Leipzig.
Rayo are giving this a go, and rightly so, with shots from range and flooding men up the pitch to pen Palace into their own half.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:39 , Mike Jones
77 mins: Mateta gets a huge round of applause from the Palace fans as he heads off the pitch to make way for Jorgen Strand Larsson.
Strand Larsson brings fresh legs up top and is a workhorse like Mateta.
A like-for-like change from Glasner.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:37 , Mike Jones
74 mins: There’ll be a bit of added time at the end of the game so there’s around 20 minutes for Palace to maintain their lead.
Rayo win a free kick just outside the box with Palazon and Lejeune standing over it.
Palazon is the one to shoot but lofts the effort over the top!
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:35 , Mike Jones
71 mins: Jorge de Frutos and Alvaro Garcia make way for Pacha Espino and Sergio Camello.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:30 , Mike Jones
68 mins: Riad gives up a free kick in the middle of the pitch and Rayo switch the play out to the left.
Jaydee Canuat is caught unawares as Alvaro Garcia is played in behind. He brings the ball into the box and pulls it back but the shot is fizzed into the side netting.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:26 , Mike Jones
65 mins: Close!
Mitchell does brilliantly to hold up the ball and draw in the defenders before slipping the ball into the feet of Sarr.
Sarr weaves into the box and shoots but finds the side netting of the goal.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:25 , Mike Jones
62 mins: What have Rayo got in response to Palace’s quick start to the second half?
The Spanish side are now chasing the game and, as such, need to control the ball.
They have done for the last couple of minutes but the balls into the box have been lacking.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:25 , Mike Jones
62 mins: What have Rayo got in response to Palace’s quick start to the second half?
The Spanish side are now chasing the game and, as such, need to control the ball.
They have done for the last couple of minutes but the balls into the box have been lacking.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:20 , Mike Jones
59 mins: Palace are pushing for that second goal.
Mateta draws another save out of Batalla and Wharton swings in a corner which the Spanish side deal.
The Premier League club have stepped things up a gear and their supporters are loving it.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:18 , Mike Jones
56 mins: How has that not gone in?!
Yeremy Pino takes the free kick and drills it at goal. He strikes the right hand post and the ball bounces across to Chadi Riad.
He looks to turn it home but miscues it and Mateta’s poke hits the woodwork again!
The offside flag goes up against Riad though and Rayo win a free kick.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:16 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Crystal Palace have one job now and that is to keep themselves ahead.
Whether that is through more goals or a clean sheet the Conference League trophy is now theirs to lose.
Ismaila Sarr is fouled just outside the edge of the Rayo box. Another chance to score?
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (Jean-Philippe Mateta, 51')
21:14 , Mike Jones
Huge!
Crystal Palace take the lead through the striker that wanted to leave.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was on his way out in January but he remained and earned his way back into the team.
Rayo let Adam Wharton drive forward with the ball. He shoots from the edge of the box and forces a sharp stop out of Augusto Batalla.
The goalkeeper palms the ball into the path of Mateta who guides it into the open goal!
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:09 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Palace win a throw in on the left wing and sned it into the box.
It’s flicked on by Lacroix but drops to Ciss who marshalls it out for a goal kick.
Second half! Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
21:08 , Mike Jones
Rayo get the ball rolling again for the second half in Leizig.
The first goal will be crucial in this match. Chances were few and far between in the first half so getting the ball in the back of the net could be enough to secure the title.
Crystal Palace’s day of destiny arrives with a sombre note after unconventional path
20:59 , Richard Jolly
As Oliver Glasner bade farewell to Selhurst Park on Sunday, Crystal Palace chair Steve Parish paid tribute on behalf of his fellow fans. “You gave us one of the best days of our lives,” he said, citing last year’s FA Cup final. Only one of the best? Perhaps Parish had exercised a little caution because he felt something still better was yet to come.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were beaten at Wembley last May; the champions Liverpool at the national stadium in August’s Community Shield.
Crystal Palace’s day of destiny arrives with a sombre note after unconventional path
Half-time! Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:52 , Mike Jones
45+4 mins: Nothing to split the teams at half-time in this European final.
Both teams have had one strong chance each but the goalkeepers have had little to do so far.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:50 , Mike Jones
45+2 mins: Close!
Wharton slots in a cross from the right and picks out the run of Tyrick Mitchell over on the left side of the box.
The full-back is free and leaps towards the ball, heading it wide of the far post.
Palace’s best moment so far.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:48 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Four minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:47 , Mike Jones
43 mins: Palace have struggled to keep their momentum and Rayo have turned things around.
They’re more threatening and imposing as we approach half-time.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:41 , Mike Jones
38 mins: Augusto Batalla, Rayo’s goalkeeper, isn’t happy about something and lets the referee know.
The game resumes after a pause of around four minutes or so.
Rayo work the ball over to the right where Jorge de Frutos fizzes a low pass into the box.
It’s guided out to Unai Lopez whose shot from range flies wide!
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:39 , Mike Jones
36 mins: The match has paused again.
This time, however, it is due to a medical emergency in the stands over one of the Rayo Vallecano fans.
The managers have been informed of the situation and now it is just a waiting game to ensure the spectator receives treatment.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:36 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Ismaila Sarr is caught off the ball and needs a minute, plus some treatment from the physios, before he’s back on his feet.
The Palace attacker is fine to play and in the pause Oliver Glasner issues more orders to his men.
Palace need a bit more creativity.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:32 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Half an hour played in Leipzig with Alemao’s missed shot the best chance of the match.
Neither team has really taken the initiative though Palace have looked the more comfortable on the whole.
This final needs a goal.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:27 , Mike Jones
26 mins: Here we go!
A bit of fight from Rayo. They work the ball lovely down the left wing and whip in a cross to the middle of the Palace box.
It drops to Alemao but the forward can only turn the ball wide of the nearest post!
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:26 , Mike Jones
23 mins: Palace’s free kick is played short and then returned to Wharton.
He dinks a cross into the box towards Kamada but Rayo manage to win the aerial ball and clear their lines.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:22 , Mike Jones
20 mins: The game is being played at a tentative tempo with the odd burst of excitement.
One such moment comes from Yeremy Pino darting at Pathe Ciss who brings him down and earns himself a yellow card.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:21 , Mike Jones
17 mins: Oliver Glasner will be pleased with Palace’s start to this final.
They’ve been, mostly, in control with little threat from Rayo.
They still need to click into gear in the final third but once those chances start coming it could get quite tough for the Rayo players.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:16 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Rayo are seeing a bit of joy with possession and are getting themselves into the final third.
Palace have been solid so far, stopping crosses into the box and forcing Rayo to retreat as quickly as they come forward.
Daichi Kamada makes a fine switch out to the right wing where Daniel Munoz comes away with the ball. He wins a throw in and there’s another opportunity for Palace to assert some pressure.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:13 , Mike Jones
11 mins: Palace are pressing high to stop Rayo from playing out from the back.
Once or twice now they’ve manageed to turn the ball over but the final pass into the box has been lacking and no attacks have come from their good work.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:11 , Mike Jones
8 mins: The free kick is chipped over to the right side of the box by Adam Wharton but it’s a bit awkward for Macence Lacroix.
The Palace defender manahes to keep the ball in play and the pressure remains of Rayo in the form of a throw in.
This set piece is launched into the box but after a bit of pinball, there’s a handball from a Palace player and Rayo win a free kick.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:07 , Mike Jones
5 mins: Oh!
Pathe Ciss slips trying to clear his lines meaning Jean-Philippe Mateta can take over possession and drive forward.
He looks to slip Ismaila Sarr into the right side of the box but the pass is intercepted.
Palace recover it after an attempted clearance and win themselves a free kick in a dangerous area, right in front of goal about 30 yards out.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:05 , Mike Jones
3 mins: The throw in is sent towards the box but strikes a Palace shirts and rolls out for a goal kick.
Rayo make their first foray up the pitch and come down the right flank. A throw in for the Spanish club sees them come inside but an attempted flick over to the wing puts the ball out of play.
Kick off! Crystal Palace 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
20:03 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace get the ball rolling in Germany.
This is the biggest match of both these clubs’ histories.
Palace work the ball over to the side of the pitch and win themselves a throw in deep in Rayo’s half.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano
20:00 , Mike Jones
The players make their way out onto the pitch in Leipzig.
Palace are the slight favourites to win this game as a victory for Rayo would be a brilliant underdog story.
But, there can only be one winner. Let’s find out who, kick off is up next...
A strong record for Rayo
19:53 , Mike Jones
Rayo Vallecano have reached their first Uefa final in only their second season of European competition.
Their previous Uefa participation came in the 2000/01 Uefa Cup, where they were beaten 4-2 on aggregate by Alaves in the last eight.
19:48 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace are the third English club – all from London – to reach the Conference League final, after West Ham (2022/23) and Chelsea (2024/25).
Both previous English clubs to reach this stage went on to lift the trophy. Palace will be keen to repeat that feat tonight.
Conference League final will be a celebration of football
19:42 , Mike Jones
Palazon added: "I think it is going to be a celebration of football and sport – that’s what finals are all about.
“I think the team are taking it in their stride, quite naturally.
“We’re always aware that this is a historic moment for us, but we’re keeping our cool."
Rayo players not feeling flutters
19:36 , Mike Jones
Rayo Vallecano forward, Isi Palazon, told Uefa: "We’re fine. I thought I’d feel that flutter in my stomach, but I haven’t.
“We’re really looking forward to it.
“I saw the stadium from the inside for the first time, and I was really impressed.”
Crystal Palace’s day of destiny arrives with a sombre note after unconventional path
19:30 , Richard Jolly
As Oliver Glasner bade farewell to Selhurst Park on Sunday, Crystal Palace chair Steve Parish paid tribute on behalf of his fellow fans. “You gave us one of the best days of our lives,” he said, citing last year’s FA Cup final. Only one of the best? Perhaps Parish had exercised a little caution because he felt something still better was yet to come.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were beaten at Wembley last May; the champions Liverpool at the national stadium in August’s Community Shield.
Crystal Palace’s day of destiny arrives with a sombre note after unconventional path
How will Rayo deal with the pressure?
19:24 , Mike Jones
"I think the key is to ignore the scale of the occasion, not to let it get to you,” said Perez.
“You have to try to play this match, knowing how mentally challenging it is, just like any other match in your career."
The occasion feeds confidence
19:18 , Mike Jones
"We’re delighted to have made this trip with our families and friends, who flew here on the same plane as us,” said Rayo Vallecano coach, Inigo Perez.
“Now that we’re here on this stage, with all the spotlight on us, and in this magnificent stadium, you start to feel something different inside – a feeling that should translate into our football and our confidence.”
European journey was the reward
19:12 , Mike Jones
"The European journey was the reward for winning the FA Cup and now playing the final is the reward for playing a great Conference League campaign,” said Glasner
“We’re looking forward to it. The players are in fantastic shape with a great mood in the group."
Palace inspired by inner child
19:06 , Mike Jones
Oliver Glasner recognises that playing in a European final such as this one appeals to the inner child in all the players who have made it this far.
"I think we all, when we were little boys kicking the ball [against] the wall and watching a European final on TV, I think we [had] big eyes and [said]: 'Wow, I would like to be part of this game,’” he said.
“So, we all can be part of this game as actors tomorrow, and [it is time to] show who you are, show your strengths, why you play.”
Oliver Glasner says watching Palace in Europa League would be best leaving gift
19:00 , Mike Jones
Departing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has told his Conference League finalists that the best leaving gift they could give him would be the opportunity to watch them in the Europa League next season.
The Eagles are 90 minutes away from turning Glasner’s dream into a reality, with just Rayo Vallecano standing in the way of more silverware under the Austrian, who will mark the end of his transformative Crystal Palace tenure when the final whistle blows at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
Oliver Glasner says watching Palace in Europa League would be best leaving gift
Wharton fit to start, Richards on the bench
18:56 , Mike Jones
There were two lingering questions over Crystal Palace’s squad in the build up to this match.
Would Chris Richards and Adam Wharton be fit to play? Richards starts in the bench and will be hoping he isn’t needed tonight.
Wharton, though, is so influential in the middle for Palace and starts the match for them. Can he lead them to a trophy?
Rayo Vallecano team to take on Palace
18:52 , Mike Jones
Rayo Vallecano XI: Batalla; Ratiu, Ciss, Lejeune, Chavarria; Lopez, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Alemao
Subs: Daniel Cárdenas, Molina, Díaz, Trejo, Sergio Camello, Akhomach, Gumbau, Balliu, Alfonso Espino, Mendy
Crystal Palace line-up for Conference League final
18:47 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Munoz, Riad, Lacroix, Canvot, Mitchell; Wharton, Kamada; Pino, Sarr, Mateta
Our Palace to take on Rayo Vallecano 🤌
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 27, 2026
Almost time for team news
18:42 , Mike Jones
The official line-ups will be dropping in a few minutes time.
Who will Oliver Glasner select in his final match as Palace boss? Can the Eagles get over the line and win European silverware?
We’ll find out shortly...
Focus on what we're good at
18:36 , Mike Jones
"It’s a proud moment for me, myself, my family, for everyone that helped me get to this point, and I’m just happy that we could start it off in August and get to the final,” said Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell.
"What has the message been ahead of the final? Just focus on what we’re good at.
“We know what we’re capable of, we know what we can do in games, and that’s the most important thing – just doing what we know we can do at our best ability."
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash in Germany before Conference League final
18:30 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans have clashed in Leipzig ahead of their two teams facing each other in the Conference League final, German police said on Wednesday morning.
Police said bottles, beer glasses and furniture were thrown on Tuesday evening when a group of around 300 Rayo fans encountered Palace supporters who were sitting outside restaurants, and that officers also intervened in another incident when around 60 Palace fans “provoked” Spanish supporters.
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash before Conference League final
Palace to play with no fear
18:24 , Mike Jones
“When the tournament’s got real, we’ve turned up haven’t we?” said Henderson when asked if his team will be overawed by the occasion.
“We’ve delivered some great performances and some good results, obviously, since we got out of the group stage.
“So, yeah, as I say, we’re looking forward to it. We won’t freeze. We’ll play with no fear and we’ll have confidence.”
Henderson says Palace pushing for same goal
18:18 , Mike Jones
More from Dean Henderson who explained that the club, players and staff were are pushing for the same goal: to win the Conference League.
“The togetherness in this group is phenomenal,” said the England goalkeeper.
“All the lads are pushing in the right direction for each other. All the staff at the training ground, everyone.
“It’s just like a family club. We’re all pushing towards the same end goal.”
Dean Henderson hopes Crystal Palace ‘finish the movie off’
18:12 , Mike Jones
Captain Dean Henderson has challenged Crystal Palace to “finish the movie off” when their Conference League final brings down the curtain on Oliver Glasner’s glittering spell in south London.
“Obviously, it would be a great way to finish the movie off for Glasner as well. Everyone wants that happy ending and everyone’s working towards that.
“It’d be unbelievable for him, wouldn’t it? Obviously the best manager this club’s ever had and to finish on such a high would be sensational.”
Which Premier League sides have qualified for Europe?
18:06 , Mike Jones
The final day of the Premier League season delivered twists and turns and now the qualification places for next season’s European competitions has been confirmed.
Sixth-placed Bournemouth qualified for the Europa League and they will be joined in by Sunderland, with Brighton going into the Conference League.
However, Palace can also make it into Europe despite finishing 15th. They must win tonight’s final which would place them in the Europa League as well.
Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna on Crystal Palace shortlist to replace Oliver Glasner
18:00 , Miguel Delaney
Crystal Palace have Coventry City’s Frank Lampard and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna on a list of at least six managers to replace Oliver Glasner, having already started making overtures to candidates.
Andoni Iraola is currently exploring other options, including Chelsea, having previously been open to the idea.
Lampard and McKenna on Crystal Palace shortlist to replace Glasner
'These moments you can't buy'
17:54 , Mike Jones
Glasner also spoke about how special it is to play and succeed in Europe, especially for a team such as Crystal Palace.
“These moments you can’t buy,” he added. “These moments you have to deserve. I think everybody, every single player, every one of the staff, deserved this moment.
“The feeling that you have in this last minute, when you walk around the stadium, on the pitch, this feeling – I think that’s why we all love football.”
Oliver Glasner hails ‘huge achievement’
17:48 , Mike Jones
Oliver Glasner hailed Crystal Palace’s “huge European night” after the Eagles booked a Conference League final with Rayo Vallecano .
Speaking after Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-final at Selhurst Park, Glasner said: “It was electric.
“A fantastic atmosphere. A great night at Selhurst. And of course it was the right result and a huge achievement, huge congratulations and credit to the players.
“The commitment, the effort, the discipline, was exceptional, and I always believed that we would create chances and score goals.
“At the end we all got the reward with Ismaila Sarr scoring the goal. A huge performance, and a huge European night.”
Oliver Glasner praises Palace for reaching Conference League final
17:42 , Mike Jones
Oliver Glasner hailed Crystal Palace’s “huge European night” after the Eagles booked a Conference League final with Rayo Vallecano on an electric evening at Selhurst Park.
Ismaila Sarr now leads the competition with nine goals after scoring in the second half of Palace’s 2-1 semi-final second-leg victory against Shakhtar Donetsk as the hosts settled the tie 5-2 on aggregate.
Oliver Glasner hails ‘huge achievement’ as Crystal Palace reach European final
Latest odds
17:36 , Mike Jones
Betting sites have made the Premier League the slight favourites in what should be a close affair with Palace looking to overcome their experienced La Liga opponents in Germany.
Crystal Palace to win - 19/20
Draw - 12/5
Rayo Vallecano to win - 3/1
Latest odds via Betfred.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano
17:30 , Mike Jones
Predicted line-ups
Here’s how we see the two teams taking to the field this evening.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Clyne, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta
Rayo Vallecano XI: Batalla; Rațiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría; Oscar Valentín, Lopez, Isi Palazon, Garcia, De Frutos; Alemao
Rayo Vallecano's early team news
17:24 , Mike Jones
The La Liga side have no injury concerns and can field a full squad in their pursuit of a European title.
Crystal Palace's early team news
17:18 , Mike Jones
Oliver Glasner must juggle some key injury concerns for Crystal Palace with defender Chris Richards a major doubt and Adam Wharton possibly injured after being replaced at the weekend.
Eddie Nketiah is absent with a hamstring issue while Borna Sosa could feature despite missing the Premier League finale against Arsenal. Cheick Doucoure is also out after another injury-hit campaign.
How can I watch?
17:12 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 6.30pm BST.
A live stream will also be available via HBO Max and the HBO app.
When is the Conference League final?
17:06 , Mike Jones
The Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano is at the Red Bull Arena, Leipzig on Wednesday 27 May with kick-off at 8pm BST.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano
17:00 , Mike Jones
Crystal Palace take on Rayo Vallecano in the biggest match of their season as they look to win a European trophy for the very first time.
Last year, the Eagles won their very first major trophy by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final and they can now add a second to the cabinet with victory over the Spanish club in the Conference League final tonight.
Oliver Glasner, who is leaving Palace at the end of the season, will hope to sign off in style after overseeing a fine European campaign in which his team have overcome some tricky situations to reach the final and be in with a shot at winning silverware.
Additionally, a win for Palace would also secure them a place in the Europa League next year and give them another season in Europe despite finishing 15th in the Premier League table. However, Rayo Vallecano come into the match unbeaten in nine games and will have their sights on a trophy lift of their own.
Good afternoon!
15:10 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Conference League final in which Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano will compete for European glory.
Palace have had a tumultuous route to the final, which is being played in Leipzig, Germany, but will look to send manager Oliver Glasner off in style in what will be his final match in charge.
Rayo will be stubborn opponents but Palace are favoured to win this contest though it should be a close run affair.
We’ll have all the team news, updates and line-ups throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
