It's Conference League glory for Palace! Tell us how you're feelingpublished at 21:58 BST 27 May
21:58 BST 27 May
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.
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.
Eagles in Leipzig - masks, expectation and smilespublished at 15:35 BST 27 May
15:35 BST 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
"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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Some fans in Lepizig have opted to disguise themselves as Chris Richards
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Others have gone for the Daichi Kamada look
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While the vast majority are wearing club colours, sunglasses and, most importantly, smiles
Image source, Getty Images
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Some Rayo fans meanwhile have brought some smoke to accompany the sunshine
Palace and Rayo set for fine‑margin finalpublished at 15:34 BST 27 May
15:34 BST 27 May
Prudent Nsengiyumva Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
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.
Counting down to kick-off in Leipzig...published at 13:54 BST 27 May
13:54 BST 27 May
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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Mark: A day that I never thought would happen, it's a 'pinch yourself moment' to experience this with my 14-year-old son. It's something very, very special.
Image source, Chris
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Chris: Look who we met in town today!
Image source, Tresbon
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Tresbon: Huge numbers of Palace in town the night before the match, hour-long waits for refreshments tells its own story! Being half-term means great groups of families making this something really special for the good people of South London.
Image source, Stuart
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Stuart: Arrived in Leipzig earlier today. Steve Parish and Mark Bright have been walking around the fan zone greeting supporters. Here's me with Mark Bright.
Image source, Joanne
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Joanne: We're on our way, we're on our way… We're off to Leipzig we're on our way!
'6/10, with potential to boost to 10/10' - season report cardpublished at 09:08 BST 27 May
09:08 BST 27 May
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!
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Henderson eyes 'huge honour'published at 08:44 BST 27 May
08:44 BST 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
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."
Glasner on 'big-game' Kamada, head tennis and a 'fantastic ending'published at 19:01 BST 26 May
19:01 BST 26 May
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Adam Wharton and Chris Richards were both "available in training" on Tuesday, however Glasner didn't reveal if they will make the starting XI.
He explained: "Our final training session was 36 hours before the game. Our medical department will be working hard, but we will only name a starting XI that is 100% fit. If either player doesn't feel 100% fit or I have some concerns, they won't start. The final decision will be taken on Wednesday."
Daichi Kamada was partly rested against Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season due to being a "big-game player".
However, Crystal Palace will need "every single player ready to help the team" against Rayo Vallecano, as he recalled making six substitutions in his only other European final as a manager.
On what their "quite relaxed" final 24 hours of preparations will look like: "It will be a longer day than the FA Cup final because that one started at 16:30 and this one starts at 21:00 local time. If we haven't done something at this stage, we can't do it tomorrow. We had a meeting last week and today around our tactics, and we've already watched many of their La Liga and Europa Conference League games."
Glasner added: "After this [news conference], we will go for dinner. I don't know what the players are doing after. They are all adults so they can spend their evening how they wish. I hope nobody goes into a bar, although I'm pretty sure they won't!"
He admitted that head tennis is "one of the best moments" leading up to a big final, as it is like watching "kids play football" and it gives him a "good idea" of how his players are feeling.
On Dean Henderson's comment that winning the Europa Conference League would "finish his movie off" at the club, he said: "It would mean a lot, not just for me personally but for the whole group. It will be our 60th game of the season, so it would mean a lot to me if we could have a fantastic ending."
However, he hasn't allowed himself to dream about lifting the trophy: "I don't think like this. The players organised a nice farewell for me today and I said a few words. I told them that the best thing would be to win, but mainly for the club being in Europe next season. That would make me very happy."
When asked why Basque managers, such as Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez, are doing well on the European stage, he replied in jest: "I will have to go there this summer and see what they are eating because it must be something good! They are doing something really well there. What the secret is? I don't know."
Heading to Leipzig? Send us your photos and storiespublished at 12:29 BST 26 May
12:29 BST 26 May
Image source, Getty Images
Are you making the trip to see if Crystal Palace can win their first European trophy? We want your tales and pics from your travels and to hear about how you're soaking up the atmosphere.
And if you're not lucky enough to be in Leipzig, we still want to know where you're watching from and how you're preparing for Wednesday's showdown against Rayo Vallecano.
'A strange season from star player sales to unrest to potential glory'published at 08:04 BST 26 May
08:04 BST 26 May
Image source, Getty Images
Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.
Prediction: 9th
This has been a strange season for Crystal Palace and manager Oliver Glasner - going from the sale of star players to unrest and then on to potential glory.
A mid-season slump meant the holders suffered a humiliating FA Cup third-round loss to non-league Macclesfield, Marc Guehi left for Manchester City, then Glasner announced he was leaving at the end of the season.
However, Palace remained a side with class in all departments, and now they have the chance of adding another major trophy when they face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
It would be the perfect ending.
What I said in August: "Palace's fortunes, and consequently their league placing, will inevitably be shaped by the fortunes of two of their most influential figures, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi."
'Sad day' saying goodbye to 'infuriating' Glasnerpublished at 11:15 BST 25 May
11:15 BST 25 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Crystal Palace's defeat to Arsenal in what was also Oliver Glasner's final Premier League game in charge of the club.
Here are some of your comments:
Jim: Seriously, why risk Wharton, or any of our top starting players for Wednesday? Glasner is so infuriating. With Arsenal already securing the title there was no need. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were rested and they play in six days. Pray Wharton is OK for Conference final.
Robert: This game was just a formality with Arsenal champions, and Palace safe for yet another season in the top flight. Yet it was a sad day having to say goodbye at Selhurst Park to a man who has done wonders for our club. Thanks Oliver Glasner for your achievements, but so sad that you're leaving us. We could have done so much more. Good luck on Wednesday and hope you get the Conference Trophy. Wishing you all the best, wherever the future takes you.
Gary: Disjointed performance which is only to be expected with so many changes. Rio Cardines did well on his debut. Good goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. Jorgen Strand Larsen needs to do a lot more. I hope Adam Wharton is OK for the final. Now we're off to Germany, and hopefully another trophy. Thank you Oliver for some fantastic memories. You are the greatest manager we've had.
Pepe: This has been a great two years. First the impossible dream of winning the FA Cup, then winning the Community Shield. This year we are in the final of the Conference League. I would like them to win of course, but if not, it's a job well done. My son and I will be in Leipzig. It's incredible what Oliver and the players have done for us. Palace here we go.
Clive: I really hope the new manager, whoever he is, works on the teams' passing and movement skills. Giving the ball away when battling to win it back is glaringly obvious compared to Arsenal, who were slick, quick and mobile.
Gossip: Palace defender Lacroix expected to leavepublished at 07:48 BST 25 May
07:48 BST 25 May
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, is expected to leave Selhurst Park in the summer with several Premier League clubs interested in the France international. (RMC Sport - in French), external
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:46 BST 25 May
07:46 BST 25 May
Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.
'The best is yet to come' - What Glasner saidpublished at 20:03 BST 24 May
20:03 BST 24 May
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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is not the best feeling because we have had so many great games. Today showed our whole story; we didn't play great for a long time but we didn't give up.
"Fantastic stadium, atmosphere, players and of course fantastic supporters. I will definitely miss all of the people here."
When asked to sum up his time at the club: "I think it was okay. For me the best is still to come. The biggest achievement for me is not the trophy, but giving the people belief in you is amazing. [Winning the Conference League] would be really good!
"I am a bit concerned with Adam [Wharton], he twisted his ankle. Hopefully it is not too bad. He says it should be okay."
Did you know?
Only bottom two sides Burnley (38) and Wolves (27) scored fewer goals than Crystal Palace (41) in the Premier League this season.
Analysis: Focus on Conference League finalpublished at 18:37 BST 24 May
18:37 BST 24 May
Alex Howell Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
This match was the end of an era for Crystal Palace, with it being Oliver Glasner's last league match in charge before he departs when his contract comes to an end this summer.
Palace's league form has not been great - they are without a win in their past seven matches - but that is not of any concern, with survival mathematically secured a couple of weeks ago.
The Eagles have reached the final of the Conference League in their first season in a major European competition.
And as well as another trophy, alongside the FA Cup and Community Shield that Glasner has already brought to the club, they have an opportunity to secure Europa League football with a win against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
Their only concern going into the final is around star midfielder Adam Wharton, who had to be withdrawn with what looked like an ankle injury.
Glasner will be remembered as one of the greatest managers in the club's history, regardless what happens on Wednesday, as he brought the club their first major trophy.
His relationship with those above him was rocky at times during the season, with Glasner showing frustration at not being adequately backed, but the Austrian has shown why he is so highly regarded in the game to lead Palace to the cusp of more silverware.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal - send us your thoughtspublished at 18:01 BST 24 May
18:01 BST 24 May
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There may still be one big game to go this season with the Conference League final on Wednesday, but Oliver Glasner has ended his Premier League time in charge of Crystal Palace with a loss against champions Arsenal.
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you are feeling.
With the Premier League title already in the bag, Mikel Arteta has also made a raft of changes for this match with Palace.
Christian Norgaard makes his first start in the Premier League this season while 16-year-old Max Dowman is handed a start and becomes the youngest ever player to start a Premier League match (16y 144d).
