Crystal Palace added the Europa Conference League to the club’s growing honours list, beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in Leipzig, as Oliver Glasner ended his reign with another trophy and Adam Wharton hailed Glasner as one of the greatest managers in Palace history.

Under Glasner, Palace moved from a club without a major honour for 119 years to one holding three trophies. The run includes the FA Cup, the Community Shield and now the Conference League, all secured within two-and-a-half seasons at Selhurst Park.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal early in the second half, reacting quickest in the 51st minute after Wharton’s effort was saved. The striker’s close-range finish settled a tight final and ensured Palace secured a European title at the first attempt in continental competition.

Glasner’s farewell also carried historical weight within the Premier League era. It became only the second time a manager lifted a European trophy in a final game in charge of an English top-flight side, matching Maurizio Sarri’s exit from Chelsea after the 2019 Europa League final.

The Austrian’s coaching record in Europe now features two major continental trophies. Glasner had already guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League success in the 2021-22 season, and the Conference League triumph represents the third piece of silverware achieved with Crystal Palace before departing the club.

Asked about Glasner’s influence on the squad and the fanbase, Wharton did not hold back in praise. The difference he has made in two-and-a-half years is incredible, he told TNT Sports. Three trophies for Palace, the first three in the history of the club. Our first European competition and winning it… it’s unbelievable. He has got to be one of the best managers Palace have ever had. He has made a massive difference to how the club looks at competitions. We are not just looking to stay in the Premier League or to be in Europe, we are looking to win it and be as high as possible.

Wharton was central to the victory despite recent disappointment after missing out on England’s World Cup squad. The midfielder saw the initial shot blocked for Mateta’s winner and also led Palace in touches with 50. Wharton completed 17 passes in the attacking third, more than any team-mate on the night.

Only Tyrick Mitchell and Daichi Kamada recovered possession more often than Wharton, recording six regains each to Wharton’s five. The numbers highlighted the midfielder’s influence in and out of possession as Palace controlled key spells of the match while protecting the narrow advantage against Rayo.

Wharton had missed the on-pitch celebrations after last year’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City because of concussion checks, so the Conference League success took on extra personal meaning. I’m definitely going to make up for it this year, 100%! he laughed. You can’t put the feeling into words. It’s incredible. You can see what it means for south London. It’s unbelievable. I have two celebrations to catch up on. I’ve got the doping test unfortunately, which ruins my party a little bit. But hopefully, I can get that done quickly and get on the beers!

Crystal Palace Conference League heartbreak for Rayo Vallecano

For Rayo, the defeat meant a first major trophy remained out of reach, despite a committed display that restricted Palace for long periods. Head coach Inigo Perez described a deep attachment to the squad after the narrow loss left players and staff emotional at full-time.

Perez focused on the unity within the dressing room. A group like this is hard to find, Perez said of his squad. It is special because they are real friends who respect and love each other. They help each other. They protect and encourage each other. It’s better to lose with these guys. Linked with the vacant Villarreal position, the 39-year-old refused to discuss any move, adding: It’s not appropriate to talk about this now. It’s not fair.

The Conference League final therefore closed a significant chapter for Crystal Palace and Glasner, with the club’s first three major trophies secured in short order, while Wharton’s display underlined growing importance in midfield and Rayo’s campaign ended with pride but without the historic silverware the Spanish side had been chasing.