Crystal Palace have claimed their first-ever European trophy after a brilliant 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final.
The south London club triumphed in Leipzig on Wednesday night, with Jean-Philippe Mateta netting the decisive goal in the 51st minute.
It proved to be the perfect farewell gift for departing manager Oliver Glasner, who guided the Eagles to glory in what was his final match in charge.
Mateta struck on the rebound after Rayo keeper Augusto Batalla could only parry Adam Wharton's powerful long-range effort, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Palace faithful.
Crystal Palace will bid farewell to Oliver Glasner, who has won them the FA Cup and now the Conference League
|REUTERS
Speaking to TNT Sports after the triumph, Glasner delivered an emotional tribute to those who made his time at Selhurst Park so special.
"In London, the fans say thank you to us for giving them the best days. I say thank you to the players because it's the same for me," he said.
"These are great and incredible days in my life. They are always listening, supporting me, trusting in me and believe in what I told them."
The Austrian coach reflected on his departure with characteristic grace: "I took this decision. It's a chapter. A good chapter. But other chapters will follow."
Glasner emphasised that success at Palace was built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
Crystal Palace won their first-ever European trophy after beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0
|REUTERS
"I see myself as part of this group. As manager you can't do anything alone, you need a great staff, great football players," he explained.
"We created that mindset that everything is possible if you work hard. My mindset in life is if you invest in something you get something back, in your job, sports, family, friends, kids. Today we had the pay off."
The 51-year-old even treated fans to a Jurgen Klinsmann-style celebration slide across the pitch after the final whistle.
"Daichi Kamada asked me to do it. They watered it. I'm still very quick. It's good for an almost 52-year-old," he laughed.
For Mateta, the goal represented a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
The French striker came close to leaving Palace for AC Milan in January, only for a knee problem to scupper the move and leave some supporters frustrated.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta with a priceless goal to give Crystal Palace the lead 🔥
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As recently as March, he was being booed by sections of the home crowd at Selhurst Park.
But his strike in Leipzig has written him into club folklore, complete with his trademark corner-flag kick celebration.
Palace's defence was equally heroic, with Dean Henderson keeping a clean sheet as Rayo threw everything at them in search of an equaliser.
The Eagles held firm magnificently throughout the second half.