Conference League 2025-2026: Crystal Palace-Rayo Vallecano, the likely lineups
The Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano is scheduled for 9 p.m. An unprecedented European title will be awarded at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig: the English and Spanish will cross paths for the first time in their history, both chasing their first continental laurels in their second ever participation in the UEFA cups.
Palace snatched a pass to the Conference League final on its first real European adventure of note. Prior to this ride, the only previous one was in the 1998 Intertoto Cup, which was archived with two knockouts. For the Glaziers it will be the 17th token in the tournament, with a roster that reads nine wins, four draws and three defeats. Quite different has been the path in the Premier League. Oliver Glasner, bidding farewell on the Londoners’ bench, finished the league in 15th place, with a six-length margin over relegated West Ham. A triumph tonight, however, would rewrite the club’s history forever.
If we talk about sporting miracles, Rayo Vallecano has very few rivals. The Rayitos overturned every prediction of the season, hitting a resounding eighth place in La Liga and missing Europe by just one point. The only track left to return to continental fields is precisely winning the Conference League, which would open wide the doors to the Europa League group stage. Iñigo Pérez has molded a very solid group, capable of making the big battleships suffer. Exactly like Palace, Rayo has fallen only three times in Europe this year, but has proved to be the most cynical team in the tournament thanks to its 10 overall successes.
History will be written in Leipzig: one of the two will lift the first international trophy of its life. Palace starts ahead on paper, but Rayo has already amply demonstrated that they are an uncomfortable customer. It will be a razor’s edge final.
Glasner relies on Hederson between the posts, Richards not at his best but gritting his teeth and rounding out the defense with his ward mates Lacroix and Canvot. On the side lanes the ever-present Mitchell and Munoz, forward Sarr and Pino ahead of Guessand in support of the only forward Mateta.
Iñigo Pérez with his classic 4-2-3-1: Batalla defending the posts, Ratiu and Chavarria as full-backs, Unai Lopez and Valentin will compose the midfield dike, on the three-quarter open ballot between Pacha Espino and Garcia with the former ahead, Alemao the only point.
Probable formations
Crystal Palace (3-4-3): Henderson, Canvot, Richards, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino, Mateta. All. Glasner.
Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Mendy, Lejeune, Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, Espino; Alemao. All. Perez.
