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Absolute scenes as Crystal Palace win their first ever European final

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Absolute scenes as Crystal Palace win their first ever European final

Absolute scenes in Leipzig as Crystal Palace win their first ever European final, a 1-0 victory against Ray Vallecano.

After neither side had a shot on target in the first half, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 50th minute goal made the difference in the UEFA Conference League Final on Wednesday night.

Palace almost doubled their lead in the space of two minutes, Pino seeing his free kick come back off the post, the ball then went across the goal and struck the other post.

It was a game that meant everything to the two clubs, the passion from both sets of supporters, but it was a night to remember for Palace, and tears for Rayo Vallecano.

Paul Robinson (reporting on the game for BBC Radio 5 Live at Leipzig Stadium, as per BBC Sport’s Live blog): “What scenes inside this stadium. Incredible from the Crystal Palace supporters.

“We said Wharton needs to be involved a bit more and the pitch just opened up in front of him and he just had a strike.

“The keeper makes a real mess of it, two palms on it but he puts it right into the path of Mateta. He sticks his leg out and it goes into the back of the net.”

Lucy Ward (reporting for TNT Sports): “They gave Wharton the time and space to run with the ball, it’s fantastic play and no one is engaging him.

“He has shot and Mateta reacts brilliantly, he probably wasn’t expecting it to come so quickly.

“It was halfway up his leg, no one cares. We just got covered in beer, we don’t care! It’s brilliant from Palace.”

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton said to TNT Sports: “I missed out on the FA Cup celebrations last year, so I’m definitely going to make up for it this year, 100%. You can’t put the feeling into words. It’s incredible. You can see what it means for south London. Just unbelievable.

“We knew they were going to be tough to break down. They are a very well-drilled team, they work hard, and they are one of the most intense teams in La Liga. The start was a bit cagey, as it always is in a final, but we grew into it and found where the spaces were and exploited them. We should have scored more goals and put it to bed, made it a bit easier for the fans, but we got the job done and it was a great performance.”

On tonight’s celebration party: “It’s going to be big. I missed the FA Cup ones last year so I have got two celebrations to catch up on. I’ve got doping unfortunately, which ruins my party a little bit but hopefully I can get that done quickly and get on the beers.”

On Oliver Glasner: “Last game as Palace manager. The difference he has made in two and a half years is incredible. Three trophies for Palace, the first three in the history of the club. First European competition and winning it. Unbelievable. He has got to be one of the best managers Palace have 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.”

Jean-Philippe Mateta, said to TNT Sports: “I feel fantastic! I feel fantastic! We did it! First time in Europe and we did it. Now I just want to celebrate. This guy [Joel Ward] has to celebrate with us.

“We gave everything. I told you about the intensity they will have and I am tired right now, I gave everything. That’s why we won today.

“I am always with the fans. They have supported me a lot as a player. They are always behind us. We did it for them too.”

Tyrick Mitchell said to TNT Sports: “It’s something you dream of but you don’t think is reality. We have made it a reality I am proud of everyone, past and present, that helped us get to this point.

“We played 60 games this season and so many of our bodies are not used to it. There was a few times where we weren’t winning, but if it all meant that we got here and won it we would do it all over again.

“It’s the same feeling that we had when we won the FA Cup; pure delight, pure emotion and we are just so happy we got it over the line.”

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, speaking to TNT Sports: “To be in Europe, travelling round Europe [is one thing] but to come and win it is incredible and it hasn’t really sunk it. It’s an incredible ahcievement.

“The players, the staff, all of the ups and downs we’ve had this season, it’s brilliant to get here and to get in to the Europa League where we deserve to be. It just shows that sometimes the good guys win in the end, I think.

“When I bought the club I wasn’t sure we’d ever play in Europe, let alone win a trophy. It’s a dream come true. We have got a taste for it now, we want to keep it going. We have gone up a level and we have got to try and stay there. We will have a week to celebrate and then work hard in the summer.”

Here’s how social media users reacted to absolute scenes as Crystal Palace win their first ever European final…

@AlexCooksley: How Mitchell doesn’t get into the England squad is beyond me, fantastic player #CPFC

@YouBloodyReds: Congrats to Crystal Palace. Chuffed for them. Banter aside, they’re a well ran club with a clear identity. Been an incredible year or so for them. In an era of endless pursuit of PSR, ridiculous ticket prices & people forgetting core values. This is what it’s about. #CPFC

@YouBearsssssss: Crystal Palace UEFA Conference League…🏆Delighted for them, A Proper Club and great bunch of Fans!! Oliver Glasner some job hes done, took Palace from nothing…. to FA Cup Winners and A European Trophy!!👏 #CPFC

@RomseyCam: Hats off to #CPFC. A deserved victory tonight and success for a second season in a row. Meanwhile it’s now been over 30 years for us…

@CPFCmollett: Oliver Glasner why won’t you stay 😭look at what you’ve achieved with us. Three trophies in the space of a year. European winners. Europa League next year #CPFC

@saintmattc: Congratulations Palace. Absolutely superb. Your fans were immense, all I could hear on the TV. Sang from start to finish. What a year youve had. From a Saints fan.

@Ryan_Bark: Actually been a pleasure to watch @CPFC the past few seasons and especially tonight! Enjoy your celebrations palace fans this is a special one. #CPFC #EuropaLeague #Conferenceleague

@reddevil1975: @CPFC players and fans in dreamland and rightly so. Huge congratulations to them UEFA Conference League winners. What a team what a manager Oliver Glasner is. Two trophies in two years. What a beautiful parting gift. So pleased for them. Enjoy your celebrations everyone ⚽ 🏆🎉

@crashpy_onion: Massive congratulations to My Crystal Palace friends, hugely deserved. So gassed for You all. Enjoy every moment, never let anyone tell You, you’re celebrating too much. Fuck that noise, you go mad and enjoy every bloody second. #CPFC #EuropaConferenceLeagueChampions ⚽



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