Crystal Palace are less than 30 minutes away from securing the club’s first-ever European trophy, and they have big man Jean-Philippe Mateta to thank for it.
The World Cup-bound French striker came up big for Olivier Glasner’s side to break the deadlock against Rayo Vallecano after the break, as the Eagles came out swinging after a muted first half in Saxony.
A rasping effort from Adam Wharton was parried by Augusto Batalla and into Mateta’s path, before the 28-year-old frontman converted from close range to send Palace fans into rapture.
It was Mateta’s 16th goal across all competitions in the 2025/26 season for the Premier League side, once again showing how ruthlessly efficient he can be within 12 yards of goal.
As Les Bleus approach their 2026 World Cup summer campaign stateside amid expectations of another deep run, if not a tournament win, in Didier Deschamps’ last hurrah at the helm, Mateta may prove to be an ace in the hole when it matters most.
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