Crystal Palace

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

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England boss Thomas Tuchel created many talking points with his England World Cup squad selection last week, but Adam Wharton's performance in Crystal Palace's night of European history only made for more debate about his omission.

The midfielder delivered a man-of-the-match display as the Eagles beat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final to win their first-ever European trophy.

Wharton will not travel to this summer's tournament after Tuchel picked Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers as his midfield options.

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle was among many surprised by the decision, and he aired his views before and after Wharton delivered an impressive performance in Leipzig.

"A little bit surprised," he told TNT Sports before the 1-0 victory. "I love the way he looks forward and passes. He can hit killer balls, balls that take the whole defence out.

"I'm not sure we have many other players who can do that consistently from a deep-lying position, so my eyebrows definitely went up when I saw he wasn't in there."

After the game, Hoddle added: "This is the quality that we have got. I would've had him in the squad. He is a wonderful footballer.

"He is a top professional. He could easily play for England but which one [midfielder] shouldn't be playing?"

Former England and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott added: "He hasn't let that decision impact his performance.

"He is a top professional as well as being mentally strong enough to deal with setbacks and to cope with that. Like I said before the game, he could easily play for England."

It certainly feels a harsh decision to leave someone like Wharton at home, even if Tuchel has many choices in the position.

Read the full article here

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It has been a turbulent campaign, but Oliver Glasner bows out in style and will go down as one of Crystal Palace's greatest managers.

They had never won a major trophy until last season's FA Cup success against Manchester City - and now have two in two seasons after this glorious night, while they also picked up the Community Shield by beating Liverpool.

Glasner and Palace's glory this term comes despite the loss of two key players - with Eberechi Eze sold to Arsenal last summer and Marc Guehi joining City in January.

The Austrian manager has undoubtedly helped Jean-Philippe Mateta take his game to another level - he had scored 11 goals in 80 games for Palace before Glasner's arrival in February 2024, but has netted 46 times in 110 matches under him.

Given the striker's importance in this final, the knee issue which blocked his move to Milan has proven to be a huge blessing for Palace.

Mateta put the failed transfer behind him to win back the support of the Eagles' fans while also earning himself a spot in France's World Cup squad.

This victory was also down to the impressive Adam Wharton. It was his shot which helped create the winner, but he was brilliant in possession throughout - just a week on from the disappointment of missing out on England's World Cup squad.

Palace had chances to make it an easier night, but managed to see the game out comfortably enough and celebrated wildly at full-time after their 60th match of an exhausting, and difficult, campaign.

They were forced to drop down from the Europa League to Europe's third-tier competition because of ownership issues, then suffered a shock FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield and finished 15th in the Premier League.

But all that will be forgotten - and Palace will compete in Europe again as this victory guarantees Europa League football next season.

Palace are the second English team to win a European trophy this term - joining Europa League champions Aston Villa - and Arsenal will look to complete an unprecedented hat-trick against Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.

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"Moments like this are what you live for," a happy Clinton Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live after Crystal Palace won their first European trophy in Leipzig.

"I didn't think I'd see this in my lifetime," the former Eagles striker added. "It's fantastic and the club deserve it.

"When you're born and bred in south London, this is such a special moment.

"I was there at the FA Cup final when they beat Manchester City, so to watch this with my family is amazing.

"The 15-20 minutes after half-time, Palace were outstanding and that's where they won the game.

"It's a huge credit to everyone at that football club from the hierarchy down because they employed Oliver Glasner.

"I didn't think he would have this impact on Crystal Palace, but you always have to keep believing.

"If Palace can do it, every team has got to believe they can go and do it. It's a great achievement from everyone at the football club."

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BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball on the full-time whistle in Leipzig: "I can see the whistle in the referee's lips... they have done it!

"It's another trophy for Crystal Palace. What an incredible 12 months it has been for this football club.

"Just over a year ago, it was the FA Cup final at Wembley, won by Eberechi Eze, and now a year later - on a beautiful night in Leipzig - they celebrate again.

"They win a European trophy in their first ever European campaign and the Community Shield has come in between all that as well.

"120 years without a trophy and now they have three in the cabinet.

"What a night for Crystal Palace, what a win for the fans and what a job Oliver Glasner and his players have done to give these fans a night they will never, ever forget.

"Jean-Philippe Mateta with the winner means the celebrations - once again - belong to Crystal Palace. They have won in Europe."

Thursday's back pages are ones Crystal Palace fans will cherish.

Cast your eyes on some of them below and we've mixed in some of the comments you have sent our way.

Keep telling us how you're feeling after Palace lifted their first European trophy

Bob: 58 years supporting the Palace - it has been worth the wait! Thank you, Mr Glasner.

PJ: Superb performance from Palace and how Adam Wharton hasn't made the England squad is unbelievable.

Eamonn: I was too nervous to watch. But it's vindication for us being denied the Europa League last year. We may have done it the hard way, but now we can look forward to next season and hope the dreams come true again.

Al: Champions of the Conference League - I am in dreamland. South London and proud. Thank you, Oliver Glasner. Total respect to the Rayo fans who stayed to applaud their team. What class. Europa League, here we come!

You can send your views on Palace's historic European victory by using this form

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Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a game how we expected it but I think we played incredibly 15 minutes after half-time. Then we defended so well. A fantastic evening. This group of players, fans they deserve to win it.

"I see myself as part of this group. As manager you can't do anything alone, you need a great staff, great football players. That is what this group is. They stick together. We created that mindset that everything is possible if you work hard. My mindset in life is if you invest in something you get something back, in your job, sports, family, friends, kids. Today we had the pay off."

On his Jurgen Klinsmann-style slide after the win: "Daichi Kamada asked me to do it. They watered it. I'm still very quick. It's good for an almost 52-year-old."

On his looming exit: "In London, the fans say thank you to us for giving them the best days. I say thank you to the players because it's the same for me. These are great and incredible days in my life. They are always listening, supporting me, trusting in me and believe in what I told them. I can be very demanding. A huge thank you to the players, the staff who supported me and our fans who were incredible tonight.

"I took this decision. It's a chapter. A good chapter. But other chapters will follow. I said to the players, get now what you deserve - the Europa League. Now, one year delay, the club, fans players get what they deserve."

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace co-owner Steve Parish speaking to TNT Sports: "Even to be in Europe, it's so good, travelling around. Then to come and win it is just incredible. All the ups and downs this season we've had, it's just brilliant to get to this point. Getting to the Europa League where we deserve in the end, it just shows you, sometimes the good guys win.

"To win an FA Cup, a Community Shield, a European title at the first time asking - an incredible achievement. It means everything. When I bought the club, I wasn't sure we'd ever play in Europe, let alone win a trophy. It's all of our dreams come true. Now we've had a taste of it we want to keep it going.

"We have gone up a level, we have to try and stay there. It's not easy. Everybody wants to win. We have our work cut out in the summer but right now we'll take a week and enjoy it."

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January brought the chill of Macclesfield.

May delivered the sun and shimmer of silverware in Leipzig.

One flick of a Jean-Philippe Mateta leg and the ripple of a net ushered in a new era for Crystal Palace - winners in Europe. There will always be Wembley but now there are continental moments to cherish forever.

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Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Memories made for a lifetime. Listen to the noise after the final whistle. The Crystal Palace supporters have done themselves proud and their team has done them proud. It's not been the prettiest of games at times but they have worked hard and stuck to the game plan. The big players, Wharton and Mateta, stepped up when it was asked of them and they have got it over the line against a difficult opponent."

Palace are getting familiar with that winning feeling. But ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle encouraged them to truly savour it, however hard that may be.

"You try and take it in but it's tough to take in," Hoddle explained. "You wish sometimes you could go back there, and bottle it. With a final there's a build of tension and then this release.

"Palace are drilled. It just shows with a little hard work and belief, you can achieve anything in football. This is justice; they should have been in the Europa League and now they have qualified for it next year."

• Send your views on Palace

While Oliver Glasner slid on his chest on the Leipzig turf, some fans watched back at a venue in Croydon, with pints of refreshment air born on this night to remember.

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Glasner was at the heart of it all. Palace's departing head coach, now an iconic figure of success for every generation of Eagles fan.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty shared his views on X, stating: "Glasner a coach with a positive attacking outlook, always looking up rather than managing expectations down. He will be missed at Crystal Palace but won't be short of offers."

But is there any route to a change of decision for Glasner before his exit?

Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Robinson explained: "I just don't know if the chapter is finished. All the big jobs are closing if you look at Maresca to Man City, Mourinho back to Real Madrid, Alonso to Chelsea, for the big jobs the big names are all linked. I just don't know. Is there any way that they can persuade Glasner?"

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison added: "I went to a Palace game about a month ago and thought surely he is going to be staying.

"There's no more jobs, but the club were adamant that Glasner has made his mind up, and he wants a different challenge, even if he has to wait.

"He is one of those. Once he makes his mind up, he sticks with it. But you never know. I hope he does stay, but I don't think he will."

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The back page of Friday's Express carried the headline 'Palace in Wonderland'.

While headline writers were finding apt words, fans watching on a big screen at Selhurst Park took to the pitch.

Meanwhile, as Freed From Desire played and fans danced in Leipzig, the club's social media staff were quick to inform followers the biography on X had been updated.

And Mateta's magic knew no bounds. The tag of match-winner was seemingly not enough as he reached for one photographer's camera.

Image source, Getty Images

One does however have to question - could he possibly have taken a more satisfying and magical picture than this?

Crystal Palace - Europa Conference League winners.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace goalscorer Jean-Philippe Mateta, speaking to TNT Sports: "I feel fantastic. We did it. First time in Europe. I just want to celebrate, and I just want to party."

Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's something you dream of, but you don't think it's reality. Today we showed it's reality. I am just proud of everyone past and present that helped us get to this point.

"We played 60 games this season. We had times when we weren't winning. But if it all meant that we got here and won it we'd do it all over again.

"It's amazing. The same feeling as when we won the FA Cup. Just pure delight."

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, speaking to TNT Sports about Oliver Glasner: "Last game as Palace manager - the difference he has made in two and half years is incredible. He has got to be one of the best managers Palace has ever had.

"He has made a massive difference for how the club looks at competitions. We are not just looking to stay in the Premier League and be in Europe, we are looking to win it and be as high as possible.

"I missed out on the FA Cup celebrations last year, so I am going to make up for it this year. You can't put the feeling into words – it is incredible."

Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson, speaking to TNT Sports: "These boys - they amaze me. It is very special tonight. They have run around all year. We have had difficult times throughout the season, but on nights like this the boys deliver.

"There is a mixture of emotions. It is like a weight lifted off your shoulders as you want to deliver.

"The manager deserves his send-off and this is how it should have ended."

Did you know?

• Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta was the third Frenchman to score for an English club in a major European final after Paul Pogba with Man Utd (2017 Europa League) and Olivier Giroud with Chelsea (2019 Europa League).

• Maxence Lacroix and Tyrick Mitchell both made their 55th appearances of the season for Crystal Palace - only Harvey Barnes (57) and Martín Zubimendi (56) have made more among Premier League players this term across all competitions.

Jean-Philippe Mateta fired Crystal Palace to their first European trophy as the Eagles edged out Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the Conference League final in Leipzig on Wednesday.

Outgoing Palace boss Oliver Glasner leaves the club having led them to the FA Cup, Community Shield and now the Conference League in a remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell at Selhurst Park.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you're feeling.

Get in touch with your comments here

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies, plus all the reaction to and analysis of Palace's famous night.

The big news for Crystal Palace is that Adam Wharton is fit to start after coming off in Sunday's defeat by Arsenal with an ankle issue.

Chris Richards was described by boss Oliver Glasner as "50-50" but he makes the bench. Glasner makes six changes from the defeat by the Gunners.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Riad, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta.

Subs: Benitez, Matthews, Clyne, Lerma, Richards, Sosa, Cardines, Hughes, Devenny, Johnson, Guessand, Strand Larsen.

Rayo Vallecano's big news is that winger Ilias Akhomach is only fit enough for the bench. Alvaro Garcia is fit to start.

Rayo Vallecano XI: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Pathe Ciss, Chavarria; Valentin, Unai Lopez; Alvaro Garcia, Isi Palazon, De Frutos; Alemao.

Image source, Getty Images

There's a South London takeover in Leipzig right now.

Crystal Palace are nearing a nerve-filled season finale which will deliver either European glory - the type few Eagles fans perhaps ever dreamt up - or crushing disappointment. Such is the life of a football fan.

These fans seem to care little for life on the precipice of such extremes. Some march in their thousands, some sip pints in heat-trapping attire.

"It's hard to believe," says ex-Palace defender Scott Dann.

"Over the last 12 months, these dreams start to become reality with the FA Cup and Community Shield.

"Going back six or seven years ago we would have loved to but it did feel quite far away. Now, it feels like it's the right time."

It is indeed the right time. The right time for refreshment, for soaking up every memory and for embracing the fine edge between glory and heartbreak.

This is your Palace page. Come back for team news and all the post-match reaction.

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"I'm buzzing".

The simple words offered by ex-Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward at a fan zone in Leipzig.

His former team-mates are just hours away from taking on Rayo Vallecano with the chance to land a first European honour just one win away.

"To be here to experience it, be a part of it and hopefully win another piece of silverware in two years, it would be incredible," Ward told the club's social media channels.

"When you get a taste of it and start to see the success - to be involved in winning the FA Cup - you kind of got a sense that anything is possible. I am not surprised with the work the gaffer has put in during his time at the club. He always says what you invest you get out."

Image source, Getty Images

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Prudent Nsengiyumva
Sport journalist

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Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano have taken very different routes to the final, but the numbers suggest a tight contest between two of the competition's most dangerous attacking sides.

Both teams have scored freely and won eight matches or ties on their way to Leipzig. They also have identical defensive records - five clean sheets and 12 goals conceded - underlining how little separates them.

Palace reached the final as the competition's most productive attacking side. Their 25-goal tally is the highest in this season's Conference League, and no team has taken more shots or hit the target more often.

The numbers behind those chances tell the same story. Palace's expected goals figure of 31.3 is the best in the tournament, showing how often they work the ball into dangerous areas rather than relying on hopeful efforts.

Their run has been built on pressure. Oliver Glasner's side play on the front foot, create plenty of chances and force goalkeepers into regular action. Six goals from set-pieces add another layer to their threat, giving them a reliable outlet when open play becomes tight.

Their attacking firepower has carried them through the knockout rounds and remains their clearest route to the first European trophy in the club's history.

Rayo Vallecano rank just behind Palace in most attacking metrics - 22 goals, 204 shots and 70 efforts on target - but their efficiency stands out.

Their expected goals total of 20.1 is only the seventh-highest in the competition, yet they have outscored almost everyone. That gap between chance quality and output shows a side that makes the most of the moments they create.

Where Palace overwhelm teams, Rayo punish mistakes. They have earned two penalties in the competition - compared to Palace's one spot-kick - and their finishing has kept them in every tie. Set-pieces have been a smaller part of their armoury, with five goals from dead‑ball situations, but they remain a threat when chances arrive.

With two sides who attack in different ways but defend with similar discipline, the final may come down to one decisive moment.

We asked for your feelings before a first-ever major European final for Crystal Palace as the club look to finish the season on a high.

A European trophy is up for grabs in Leipzig with the chance to make more history under departing manager Oliver Glasner.

Here are some of your pictures and stories from Germany so far...

Image source, Mark

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While there were some flashpoints quickly dealt with by local police on Tuesday night, the overwhelming majority of fans have been having a great time enjoying the city and build up to a historic final for Palace.

Ellie Killick
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

6/10, with potential to boost to 10/10 if we win the Conference League. It's been a weird season. It started with Eberechi Eze's departure - a loss I thought would hurt us a lot more than it did - but we started the season really well, extending our unbeaten streak to 14 games, including doing the treble over Liverpool. We had our ups and downs, but the European success has made me proud to be a Palace fan.

Best moment and why?

Our first European tour! It's such a surreal feeling following your team overseas. I was fortunate enough to attend the game against Shelbourne in the Republic or Ireland and seeing the city full of red and blue, with our chants being heard for miles, was a very special moment. Like Oliver Glasner said in his goodbye speech, the best moment is yet to come on Wednesday night as we travel to Leipzig for the ultimate European final experience.

Player of season and why?

It's out of two players for me - Adam Wharton and Ismailia Sarr - but I'm giving it to Sarr. When he was at Afcon, his absence was dearly noticed. His form in front of goal has been a huge part of our success - scoring 21 goals, including crucial ones on the road to Leipzig.

Unsung hero and why?

Tyrick Mitchell. He may not be totally unsung but he definitely is underrated. This season he has developed into an all-round full-back- defensively strong but also able to help out in the attack. He was unfortunate to miss out on the England squad along with Wharton.

Biggest disappointment?

January was painful for Palace fans. We lost to National League side Macclesfield, and then came Glasner and Marc Guehi's departure announcements, which shocked the team and fandom. The energy around the club felt very negative, alongside the drama surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta. Thankfully, as time progressed, the tables turned and both Glasner and Mateta proved their commitment to the club.

What needs to change this summer?

Our squad depth because Europe definitely hurt us when it came to the league this season. Playing three games in a week is no easy feat and the squad wasn't prepared. Maxence Lacroix has played 54 out of 59 games and that isn't sustainable, so more signings are a must.

My major hope for next season is

More success in Europe and lots of fun away trips!

Find more from Ellie Killick at Eagle Eye View, external

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Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson says it would be a "huge honour" to lift the Conference League trophy in front of the travelling supporters in Leipzig on Wednesday night.

Outgoing boss Oliver Glasner led the club to their first major trophy in 2024-25 when they won the FA Cup, and now the Eagles are just one step away from lifting European silverware in their first-ever European campaign.

"It would be a huge honour to lift the trophy," Henderson said in his pre-match news conference. "But, ultimately, I've got to focus on the process and not the outcome at this moment in time.

"There is a lot of excitement and I am really looking forward to the game. All of the boys are pretty calm. We have been here before so we know what it takes. We are just focused and excited to show what we can do."

On the importance of having longer-term absentees Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah in the travelling squad, he said: "It is great to have the boys with us.

"They have worked so hard throughout this season and they have had their own setbacks. It is difficult for them, and we live the pain with them as well.

"It will be great for them to be in and around it. Hopefully we can give them something to celebrate."

Henderson also admitted that Glasner, who is set to leave Palace after Wednesday night's final, will be "a huge miss" at Selhurst Park.

"I think he knows that [from Monday's training session]," he added. "The players did a send-off video for him and we all spoke from the heart."