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Crystal Palace chases history in first-ever European final

Crystal Palace's midfielder #08 Jefferson Lerma (R) is challenged by Arsenal's striker #09 Gabriel Jesus (L) during a match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in London, England, on May 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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Crystal Palace's midfielder #08 Jefferson Lerma (R) is challenged by Arsenal's striker #09 Gabriel Jesus (L) during a match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in London, England, on May 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)
May 26, 2026 11:28 AM GMT+03:00

Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano meet in the UEFA Conference League final at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Wednesday, with the kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. GMT.

The match marks the first time the two clubs will face each other in an official competition.

Crystal Palace reached the final after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk in the semifinal, marking the first time in the club's history that they have advanced to a European final. Rayo Vallecano, the Spanish side, is also making its first-ever appearance in a European final.

The winner will earn a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage next season.

Crystal Palace's striker #29 Evann Guessand (L) and Crystal Palace's defender #34 Chadi Riad (R) in a team training session in London, England on May 21, 2026 (AFP Photo)
Crystal Palace's striker #29 Evann Guessand (L) and Crystal Palace's defender #34 Chadi Riad (R) in a team training session in London, England on May 21, 2026 (AFP Photo)

'Sarr leads Palace attack'

Senegalese forward Ismaila Sarr has been one of Crystal Palace's standout performers in the tournament. Sarr scored six goals across his last five Conference League appearances and finished the season with 21 goals in 44 matches across all competitions.

On the Rayo Vallecano side, Alvaro Garcia and Jorge de Frutos each scored 12 goals across all competitions this season. De Frutos made 52 appearances in all tournaments while Garcia featured in 49, with both players contributing significantly to the club's run to the final.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is expected to leave the club following the match. The Austrian coach took charge on Feb. 20, 2024, and guided the team to 52 wins, 33 draws and 35 defeats across 120 games. During his tenure, Glasner led Palace to both the FA Cup and FA Community Shield titles.

Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez faces the final with a significant personal milestone at stake as well. The 38-year-old Spanish coach is seeking to become only the second Spanish manager to win the Conference League, after Jose Luis Mendilibar led Olympiakos to the title in the 2023-24 season.

Crystal Palace will be without striker Eddie Nketiah, who is ruled out through injury. Rayo Vallecano is expected to have a full squad available for the match.

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will oversee the final, assisted by Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni. Glenn Nyberg of Sweden will serve as the fourth official, with Marco Di Bello in the VAR role.

May 26, 2026 11:29 AM GMT+03:00
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