Football scripts are rarely this poetic. Denied their rightful place in the Europa League earlier this year, Crystal Palace exacted the ultimate revenge by lifting the Conference League trophy.
And fittingly, the hero was Jean-Philippe Mateta, a man whose career was meant to be in Milan after a January transfer collapsed, only for him to stay and seal a fairytale ending for departing manager Oliver Glasner.
In a ‘fantastic’ mood after firing Crystal Palace to first European trophy in narrow vicory over the Spanish side, Mateta was buzzing after his decisive goal secured Crystal Palace’s first-ever European title with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano and the Frenchman who struck in the second half to cap off a historic night for the South London club at the Red Bull Arena, exclaimed excitedly, ‘We did it’
Mateta’s Magic Writes Crystal Palace Into Historic Triumph
The Crystal Palace striker could not hide his emotion after his goal secured the Conference League title for the Eagles. Speaking shortly after the final whistle, the Frenchman reflected on a landmark achievement for a club that only a few years ago would have considered European silverware a distant dream.
He told TNT Sports: “I feel fantastic! I feel fantastic! We did it! First time in Europe and we did it. Now I just want to celebrate. This guy [Joel Ward] has to celebrate with us.” The striker was the hero of the night, producing an instinctive finish that was ugly but effective to break the deadlock in a tense final that saw the Eagles giving everything for the hard-earned victory.
With Rayo Vallecano pushing the Premier League side to their physical limits, the match was a grueling affair, and Mateta admitted that the intensity of the Spanish side required every ounce of energy from Oliver Glasner’s squad to ensure they stayed ahead following his second-half opener.
“We gave everything. I told you about the intensity they will have and I am tired right now, I gave everything. That’s why we won today. I am always with the fans. They have supported me a lot as a player. They are always behind us. We did it for them too,” the Frenchman added.
Interestingly, Mateta’s goal came after he reacted quickest to Adam Wharton’s shot being parried into his path by the Rayo goalkeeper. While Mateta provided the finishing touch, it was Wharton who dictated the tempo of the game for long stretches. Shrugging off the bitter disappointment of his recent England squad omission, Wharton orchestrated a passing masterclass that suffocated the Spanish opposition for the opening sixty minutes.
The young play maker deserved an early assist after floating a perfect pass onto the head of Tyrick Mitchell, who agonizingly nodded wide. However, the 22-year-old ultimately took matters into his own hands when a blistering long-range strike created chaos in the box, breaking the deadlock and teeing up Mateta to fire home the decisive winner.
Glasner’s Perfect Parting Gift
This historic victory serves as a true fairy-tale finale for manager Oliver Glasner, who has completely orchestrated a breathtaking renaissance at the club. Having previously stunned Manchester City a year prior to lift the FA Cup, this latest continental triumph permanently etches his name into the annals of Crystal Palace folklore as one of their most legendary tacticians.
Although the Eagles were uncharacteristically profligate in the final third, highlighted by Yeremy Pino’s jaw-dropping free-kick that agonizingly ricocheted off both goalposts, their resolute defense stood tall to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.
As the squad erupts in jubilant celebrations, the overarching marvel remains the team’s meteoric ascent from domestic cup underdogs to European champions in just twelve short months. – With agencies report
