Crystal Palace – Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano will not perform worse than the English club in the final.

On Wednesday evening, on the pitch at RB Leipzig's home stadium, they will contest the second in order this season and the third in prestige among European trophies. A week ago, Aston Villa became the first team to win a continental cup in 2026. Unai Emery and his charges, in the Europa League final, dealt with Freiburg. The Conference League also can be won by a Premier League representative. Oliver Glasner has done with Crystal Palace what no one had managed in 120 full years since the London club's founding. First, the Austrian manager won two national trophies, beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final and Liverpool in the country’s Super Cup. Now Glasner stands on the threshold of Crystal Palace’s first European triumph in history. And this is despite the fact that the 'Glaziers' have become weaker in terms of personnel than they were a year ago. Glasner is likely to leave London at the end of the season, so the upcoming match may be his last at the club, the coach having etched his name in its history in golden letters. Rayo Vallecano has participated in a continental competition for the second time in 25 years. The last time they earned such a right not by sporting results, but thanks to the 'fair play' option. Despite such limited European experience, the Madrid side reached the final straight away and has every chance of success. Bookmakers have identified the English club as the favorite for the forthcoming showdown, offering odds of 1.90 on its victory. Crystal Palace in recent weeks has been noticeably focused on the Conference League final. The London club has not managed to win any of the seven Premier League matches played in more than a month. Against all strong opponents during this period the 'Glaziers' lost. On the one hand, such results did not affect Crystal Palace’s finish in a safe-from-relegation position. On the other hand, will Glasner's team, with a snap of the fingers, show its best level in the upcoming final, not having shown it for quite a long time? Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano doesn't have such a problem. The Madrid club approaches the final in a nine-match unbeaten run and with a fighting mood. Rayo Vallecano will be closer to victory in Leipzig.