By Aidan Leo
A second-half-rebound goal from Crystal Palace frontman Jean-Philippe Mateta was all that was required to overcome Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is set to leave the club on a high after their European trophy win, having previously achieved an FA Cup and a Community Shield in his two-year tenure in charge.
Glasner’s time with Palace stands as the club’s most accomplished period in its history.
Glasner: ‘The fans deserve this’
“I have to forward the congratulations to the players, to the team, because it was the game that we expected, but I think we played [an] incredible 15 minutes after half-time, where we scored the goal, where we could have decided it,” Glasner told TNT Sports after the game.
“Then at the end we defended so well, fantastic evening, and I think it’s really this group of players, this club, these fans deserve to win the Conference League, and that’s why I’m really, really pleased,” he continued, referring to Crystal Palace fans’ devoted support throughout the club’s run in Europe this season.
“I can’t even believe that this was the last game.
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All good things come to an end
“But yes, I took this decision, and I think it’s a chapter. I think it’s a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other chapters will follow,” Glasner said, regarding his decision to move on from the club and take on a different challenge.
“It’s the same, I said to the players, get now what you deserve after winning the FA Cup, that’s the Europa League.
“So I think now it’s with a one-year delay, the club, the fans, the players did get what they deserved.
“So sometimes, okay, you have to take a round trip, and now we are there. Crystal Palace is where they should be.”
More success to follow
Although Glasner will no longer be steering the ship at Palace, his impact will remain an everlasting one, particularly considering the club will take on even tougher tests in the Europa League next season.
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SportJustSport writers 
Michael Davey