Mateta’s strike gives the Eagles a famous Conference League win

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s rollercoaster season ended in glory as he helped Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig.

Dumped by Palace fans at the start of the season after failing to complete the move they wanted from AC Milan, the now-forgiven striker was set to direct a historic strike as Palace booked a place in next year’s Europa League with their first European title.

Mateta’s goal sparked heartbreaking scenes for Palace fans who also tasted success in manager Oliver Glasner’s last game.

Glasner leaves having brought us three trophies in 12 months despite losing Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi to other replacements.

Victory in Palace’s 60th game of the campaign reassured fans who were upset that the club were unfairly denied Europa League football this season.

Such multi-ownership issues will now be forgotten, with the new management having plenty of European tours to look forward to now.

After Aston Villa won the Europa League, and Arsenal reached the Champions League final, a continental sweep of the Premier League remains on the cards.

A tense opening was broken with the first chance of the night falling to Alemao but the Rayo striker volleyed wide under pressure.

After a medical delay in the crowd the Madrid side threatened again, when Unai Lopez curled high on the edge of the area.

Palace midfielders Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada put together a number of neat performances but the Premier League side lacked in the final third.

Wharton then produced a wonderful through ball to set up Tyrick Mitchell’s best chance in the middle but the defender was able to clear it wide.

After the break Palace were in the lead and Mateta – who has been named in the World Cup squad for France this week – headed home after Wharton’s powerful shot was deflected wide.