Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano LIVE: Wharton fit to start as Eagles chase first European trophy in Conference League final

14 mins: Rayo are seeing a bit of joy with possession and are getting themselves into the final third.

Palace have been solid so far, stopping crosses into the box and forcing Rayo to retreat as quickly as they come forward.

Daichi Kamada makes a fine switch out to the right wing where Daniel Munoz comes away with the ball. He wins a throw in and there’s another opportunity for Palace to assert some pressure.

11 mins: Palace are pressing high to stop Rayo from playing out from the back.

Once or twice now they’ve manageed to turn the ball over but the final pass into the box has been lacking and no attacks have come from their good work.

8 mins: The free kick is chipped over to the right side of the box by Adam Wharton but it’s a bit awkward for Macence Lacroix.

The Palace defender manahes to keep the ball in play and the pressure remains of Rayo in the form of a throw in.

This set piece is launched into the box but after a bit of pinball, there’s a handball from a Palace player and Rayo win a free kick.

5 mins: Oh!

Pathe Ciss slips trying to clear his lines meaning Jean-Philippe Mateta can take over possession and drive forward.

He looks to slip Ismaila Sarr into the right side of the box but the pass is intercepted.

Palace recover it after an attempted clearance and win themselves a free kick in a dangerous area, right in front of goal about 30 yards out.

3 mins: The throw in is sent towards the box but strikes a Palace shirts and rolls out for a goal kick.

Rayo make their first foray up the pitch and come down the right flank. A throw in for the Spanish club sees them come inside but an attempted flick over to the wing puts the ball out of play.

Crystal Palace get the ball rolling in Germany.

This is the biggest match of both these clubs’ histories.

Palace work the ball over to the side of the pitch and win themselves a throw in deep in Rayo’s half.

The players make their way out onto the pitch in Leipzig.

Palace are the slight favourites to win this game as a victory for Rayo would be a brilliant underdog story.

But, there can only be one winner. Let’s find out who, kick off is up next…

Rayo Vallecano have reached their first Uefa final in only their second season of European competition.

Their previous Uefa participation came in the 2000/01 Uefa Cup, where they were beaten 4-2 on aggregate by Alaves in the last eight.

Crystal Palace are the third English club – all from London – to reach the Conference League final, after West Ham (2022/23) and Chelsea (2024/25).

Both previous English clubs to reach this stage went on to lift the trophy. Palace will be keen to repeat that feat tonight.

Palazon added: “I think it is going to be a celebration of football and sport – that’s what finals are all about.

“I think the team are taking it in their stride, quite naturally.

“We’re always aware that this is a historic moment for us, but we’re keeping our cool.”