76th minute, Palace still hold a 1-0 lead

Crystal Palace take the lead after a rebound from Batalla, Mateta makes it 1-0

The second half is now underway.

41' The defense managed to block Pathé Ciss's shot. The Rayo Vallecano midfielder connected with his right foot near the penalty spot, making the most of a pin-point cross from Isi Palazón.

39' Chance for Palace! Jean-Philippe Mateta met the ball with a header in the heart of the box following a corner delivered by Adam Wharton, but his effort flew wide of the right post.

25' Chance for Rayo Vallecano! Alemão fires left-footed from the center of the box after a Pep Chavarría cross, but it flashes just wide of the right upright.

20' Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano) is booked for a dangerous challenge.

10' Smart build-up by Crystal Palace. Daniel Muñoz picks out Ismaïla Sarr, who cuts back onto his left inside the area, but his effort is well blocked by the defense.

The lineups

The city of Leipzig will host a historic night for Rayo Vallecano, who will play the first European final in their 102-year history against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League. The Spanish side arrives full of excitement and ambition, backed by thousands of supporters dreaming of seeing the club lift its first continental trophy.

The team coached by Íñigo Pérez will face an opponent equally unfamiliar with this kind of European stage. For Crystal Palace, this also marks the club’s first continental final, in what could become another memorable season under manager Oliver Glasner.

The atmosphere surrounding the match is expected to be spectacular. More than 12,000 Rayo supporters traveled from Spain to cheer on the team at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena, while giant screens were installed back in Vallecas so fans can experience a night that has already become part of club history.

Alemao Leads Rayo’s Attack

Coach Íñigo Pérez decided to rely on his strongest lineup for the final, led by Brazilian striker Alemao, who will be the main attacking reference for the Madrid-based club.

Behind him will be key players such as Isi Palazón, Jorge de Frutos, and Álvaro García, all of whom have played crucial roles during the club’s European run.

The match could also become a special farewell moment for Argentine playmaker Óscar Trejo, who at 38 years old may be playing his final game for the club after spending a decade representing Rayo. Although he is expected to start on the bench, he could still play an important role depending on the outcome of the match.

Crystal Palace Looking to End an Era With a Trophy

On the other side, Crystal Palace arrives determined to close an important chapter under Oliver Glasner, who will manage his final game with the English club.

The Austrian coach recently guided Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield glory and now hopes to leave with another major trophy. The English side will feature players such as Yeremy Pino, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaïla Sarr, and Daniel Muñoz in the starting lineup.

However, injuries have also affected Palace heading into the final. Players including Chris Richards, Eddie Nketiah, and Cheick Doucouré were ruled out, while Adam Wharton recovered in time to make the starting eleven.

The final promises emotion, intensity, and a spectacular atmosphere in Leipzig, where both Rayo Vallecano and Crystal Palace will try to write the greatest chapter in their European history.

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