Palace cap momentous year with first European title

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.

- RACHEL STEINBERG PA (additional reporting by AP)

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 the most successful period in their history.

Mateta nearly left the Eagles in January, only remaining after a knee issue denied him medical clearance for a desired move to AC Milan which left some sections of the Palace support unhappy with the France forward.

He vowed to give 100 per cent to Glasner and his teammates, and emphatically completed his redemption arc when he pounced on the rebound of a parried Adam Wharton effort to put Palace in the ascendancy, treating the euphoric Eagles fans to his signature corner-flag kick.

Adam Wharton’s participation was a concern ahead of the contest, but Glasner promised he would only start players who were “100 per cent fit”, and the midfielder was in the lineup, while Chris Richards began the game on the bench.