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Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Mateta’s strike secures first European title for the Eagles

Crystal Palace secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday.

Rayo created the first chance in the 25th minute when Alemao met Isi Palazon’s low cross, but he fired wide.

In the 39th minute, the Spanish outfit threatened again and almost took the lead when Jorge de Frutos teed up Unai Lopez, but he dragged his effort wide.

On the stroke of half-time, Tyrick Mitchell squandered a glorious chance to fire Palace ahead after he met Adam Wharton’s cross at the back, but he headed wide.

Five minutes after the restart, Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring by converting the rebound after Augusto Batalla spilled Wharton’s strike.

Moments later, Yeremy Pino came close to doubling the Eagles’ lead as his free-kick effort rattled the post before Batalla denied Mateta from the rebound.

Just past the hour mark, Ismailia Sarr had a chance to extend the lead from Mitchell’s pass but dragged his effort wide.

At the other end, Palazon could’ve restored parity for Rayo from a free kick, but he skied his attempt before Lejeune also shot over from range.

Crystal Palace held on to their 1-0 lead to secure their first-ever European title, becoming only the third English club to win the competition after Chelsea and West Ham United.

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