Palace inspired by inner child
Oliver Glasner recognises that playing in a European final such as this one appeals to the inner child in all the players who have made it this far.
“I think we all, when we were little boys kicking the ball [against] the wall and watching a European final on TV, I think we [had] big eyes and [said]: ‘Wow, I would like to be part of this game,’” he said.
“So, we all can be part of this game as actors tomorrow, and [it is time to] show who you are, show your strengths, why you play.”
Oliver Glasner says watching Palace in Europa League would be best leaving gift
Departing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has told his Conference League finalists that the best leaving gift they could give him would be the opportunity to watch them in the Europa League next season.
The Eagles are 90 minutes away from turning Glasner’s dream into a reality, with just Rayo Vallecano standing in the way of more silverware under the Austrian, who will mark the end of his transformative Crystal Palace tenure when the final whistle blows at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
Oliver Glasner says watching Palace in Europa League would be best leaving gift
The Eagles take on Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday in what is Glasner’s final match in chargeMike Jones27 May 2026 19:00
Wharton fit to start, Richards on the bench
There were two lingering questions over Crystal Palace’s squad in the build up to this match.
Would Chris Richards and Adam Wharton be fit to play? Richards starts in the bench and will be hoping he isn’t needed tonight.
Wharton, though, is so influential in the middle for Palace and starts the match for them. Can he lead them to a trophy?
Rayo Vallecano team to take on Palace
Rayo Vallecano XI: Batalla; Ratiu, Ciss, Lejeune, Chavarria; Lopez, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Alemao
Subs: Daniel Cárdenas, Molina, Díaz, Trejo, Sergio Camello, Akhomach, Gumbau, Balliu, Alfonso Espino, Mendy
Crystal Palace line-up for Conference League final
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Munoz, Riad, Lacroix, Canvot, Mitchell; Wharton, Kamada; Pino, Sarr, Mateta
Almost time for team news
The official line-ups will be dropping in a few minutes time.
Who will Oliver Glasner select in his final match as Palace boss? Can the Eagles get over the line and win European silverware?
We’ll find out shortly…
Focus on what we’re good at
“It’s a proud moment for me, myself, my family, for everyone that helped me get to this point, and I’m just happy that we could start it off in August and get to the final,” said Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell.
“What has the message been ahead of the final? Just focus on what we’re good at.
“We know what we’re capable of, we know what we can do in games, and that’s the most important thing – just doing what we know we can do at our best ability.”
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash in Germany before Conference League final
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans have clashed in Leipzig ahead of their two teams facing each other in the Conference League final, German police said on Wednesday morning.
Police said bottles, beer glasses and furniture were thrown on Tuesday evening when a group of around 300 Rayo fans encountered Palace supporters who were sitting outside restaurants, and that officers also intervened in another incident when around 60 Palace fans “provoked” Spanish supporters.
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans clash before Conference League final
Crystal Palace are set to face La Liga side Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday nightMike Jones27 May 2026 18:30
Palace to play with no fear
“When the tournament’s got real, we’ve turned up haven’t we?” said Henderson when asked if his team will be overawed by the occasion.
“We’ve delivered some great performances and some good results, obviously, since we got out of the group stage.
“So, yeah, as I say, we’re looking forward to it. We won’t freeze. We’ll play with no fear and we’ll have confidence.”
Henderson says Palace pushing for same goal
More from Dean Henderson who explained that the club, players and staff were are pushing for the same goal: to win the Conference League.
“The togetherness in this group is phenomenal,” said the England goalkeeper.
“All the lads are pushing in the right direction for each other. All the staff at the training ground, everyone.
“It’s just like a family club. We’re all pushing towards the same end goal.”
Mike Jones27 May 2026 18:18NewerOlder