The UEFA Europa Conference League final on May 27, 2026, pits Crystal Palace against Rayo Vallecano in a fascinating encounter. Palace arrive with a more positive recent trajectory, securing three wins and a draw from their last five outings, a significant improvement on their overall 35% win rate this season. Their ability to find the net (35 goals) and a relatively stable defence (36 conceded) gives them a solid foundation.
Rayo Vallecano, conversely, limp into the final, having won just one of their last five matches, drawing two and losing two. Their season has been a struggle, reflected in a 26% win rate and a less potent attack, scoring only 29 goals while conceding 38. The narrative here is clear: can Rayo pull off a monumental upset, or will Palace capitalise on their superior form and the considerable 45% win probability? Watch for Palace's attacking midfielders to exploit Rayo's somewhat leaky defence, while the Spanish side will need a moment of individual brilliance or a set-piece masterclass to stand a chance. A draw, also at 45%, highlights the perceived closeness despite the form disparity.
1. D. Henderson, 17. N. Clyne, 8. J. Lerma, 34. C. Riad, 2. D. Munoz, 19. W. Hughes, 18. D. Kamada, 59. R. Cardines, 55. J. Devenny, 7. I. Sarr, 22. J. S. Larsen
1. D. Cardenas, 20. I. Balliu, 16. A. Mumin, 32. N. Mendy, 22. Pacha, 23. O. Valentin, 15. G. Gumbau, 14. C. Martin, 4. P. Diaz, 18. A. Garcia, 11. R. Nteka
Match events
20' Card Yellow Card — P. Ciss (Rayo Vallecano)
23' Card Yellow Card — I. Palazon (Rayo Vallecano)
42' Card Yellow Card — A. Wharton (Crystal Palace)
48' Card Yellow Card — U. Lopez (Rayo Vallecano)
51' Goal Normal Goal — J. Mateta (Crystal Palace)
62' Card Yellow Card — A. Garcia (Rayo Vallecano)
62' subst Substitution 1 — O. Valentin (Rayo Vallecano) (assists: N. Mendy)
63' subst Substitution 2 — U. Lopez (Rayo Vallecano) (assists: P. Diaz)
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