Crystal Palace win Europa Conference League as Eagles lift first-ever piece of European silverware

Crystal Palace have won the Europa Conference League and lifted their first-ever piece of major European silverware.On a historic night in Leipzig, Jean-Philippe Mateta's goal helped the Eagles win 1-0 and defeat Rayo Vallecano.Dean Henderson lifted the trophy for Oliver Glasner's side, as the Palace boss leaves the club with yet another trophy.The win not only gets Palace their third piece of silverware in two years but also qualification for the Europa League next season. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The Red Bull Arena erupted at full-time as the Palace supporters celebrated their second major trophy in two years.The memorable story for the south London-based side has its fairytale ending, which Mateta described as incredible.He told TNT Sports: I feel fantastic. We did it. Our first time in Europe, I just want to celebrate.It's incredible. I am tired right now, we gave everything, that's why we won today.The game started relatively even, with both sides trying to get a few touches on the ball and ease the nerves in the noisy Red Bull Arena.A late challenge from Pathe Ciss in the opening 20 minutes on Yeremy Pino saw one or two complaints for a red card, but the referee was quick to dish out a yellow.A good opportunity fell to Alexandre Zurawski, with Henderson rooted to the spot, but fortunately for the England international, the Brazilian's strike went wide.Vallecano started to establish a foothold after half an hour, dominating possession as Palace were forced to hold their shape.LATEST SPORTS NEWSBarcelona agree £70m deal with Newcastle United for English starCrystal Palace's Europa Conference League final delayed due to medical emergency in standsEnzo Fernandez pursuing move away from Chelsea as Blues put staggering price tag on midfielderFollowing a medical emergency in the stands, play was delayed for a lengthy period as stewards attended to the Rayo fan.Once proceedings resumed, Tyrick Mitchell had the best chance of the first half just before half-time, but headed his close-range effort narrowly wide.Into the second half, and it did not take long for Palace to get going, as Adam Wharton came driving forward with no one in white closing down the Englishman.Wharton fizzed in a strike on his left foot, well saved by Augusto Batalla, but fell straight to Mateta, who tapped home.The Frenchman went wheeling away to the Palace fans as they took advantage in the contest.Five minutes later, Pino had a free kick in a promising position, smashing a right-footed drive, which looked destined for the back of the net.After ricocheting off both posts, Chadi Riad nearly got the follow-up, hitting the post again, but had already strayed into an offside position.Moments after, Mateta had another great opportunity on goal, but his shot was well-saved by Batalla.Daniel Munoz showed his defensive class at the back as Rayo produced a promising move with a ball that looked destined for the head of Alfonso Espino, but the Colombian's intervention proved why he is so highly-rated.Mateta was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen with 15 minutes to play, getting a huge ovation from the Palace supporters.Rayo started to pile on the pressure, as Palace were forced deeper and deeper into their own half.Mitchell had a great opportunity to kill the game off in stoppage time, but ran out of steam with his shot being blocked.Palace saw out the game and claimed their first-ever European trophy.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter