The FA Cup triumph transformed the perception of the club almost overnight. After decades of near-misses — including FA Cup final losses in 1990 and 2016 — the Eagles finally ended one of the longest trophy droughts.

In 2026, they were crowned once again and added their third title in a year: winners of the 2026 UEFA Conference League. Oliver Glasner’s side faced Rayo Vallecano and won 1–0, thanks to a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

How many trophies have Crystal Palace won in their history?

Crystal Palace have won three major trophies in their history: the 2025 FA Cup, 2025 FA Community Shield and the 2026 UEFA Conference League. They finally ended their long wait for silverware during a historic run under Oliver Glasner.

For decades, they were considered one of the biggest English clubs never to win a major trophy. That changed in May 2025, when they shocked Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Only a few months later, Crystal Palace added another trophy by defeating Liverpool on penalties in the 2025 FA Community Shield after a dramatic 2-2 draw. The victory gave Palace their first-ever Community Shield title.

Their most recent title as of May 2026 came in the UEFA Conference League final, where they faced Rayo Vallecano and won 1–0 in 90 minutes. The winning goal was scored by French player Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Beyond those major honors, they have also won lower-division titles and promotion playoffs throughout their history. However, the club’s modern identity was transformed by the back-to-back Wembley triumphs in 2025.

Crystal Palace’s first major title

The 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the 2025 FA Cup final instantly became the most iconic match in Crystal Palace history. Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal in the first half, while Dean Henderson preserved the lead with several crucial saves, including a penalty stop.

The triumph carried extra emotional weight because they had previously lost FA Cup finals in 1990 and 2016, both against Manchester United. Supporters waited more than a century to finally see the club lift a major trophy at Wembley.

Oliver Glasner also made history with the victory, becoming the first Austrian manager to win the FA Cup. The result qualified them for European competition for the first time ever and permanently changed the club’s reputation.

What trophies have Crystal Palace won under Oliver Glasner?

Crystal Palace have won the FA Cup, the FA Community Shield and the 2026 Conference League Final under Oliver Glasner. The Austrian manager guided the club through the most successful stretch in its history.

His breakthrough moment came in the 2025 FA Cup final against Manchester City. Palace entered the match as clear underdogs but produced a disciplined defensive performance and held on for a famous 1-0 victory.

A few months later, they followed that success with another Wembley triumph by beating Liverpool in the 2025 Community Shield. After a 2-2 draw in regulation, they won the penalty shootout 3-2 behind more heroics from Dean Henderson.

Under Glasner, Crystal Palace also:

• Reached their first European final
• Qualified for European competition for the first time
• Set a club-record Premier League points total
• Became one of England’s biggest surprise success stories

What finals have Crystal Palace played in?

Crystal Palace have played in multiple major finals, including three FA Cup finals, the FA Community Shield and a UEFA Conference League final. Most of the club’s biggest matches have taken place at Wembley Stadium.

The most important finals in Palace history include:

• 1990 FA Cup Final vs. Manchester United
• 2016 FA Cup Final vs. Manchester United
• 2025 FA Cup Final vs. Manchester City
• 2025 FA Community Shield vs. Liverpool
• 2026 UEFA Conference League Final vs. Rayo Vallecano

What was Crystal Palace’s most historic season?

Crystal Palace’s most historic season was the 2024-25 campaign. They won the FA Cup, qualified for Europe for the first time and completely changed the trajectory of the club under Oliver Glasner.

The season also established Palace as one of the most admired teams in England. Their aggressive pressing style, disciplined defending and efficient counterattacks made Glasner’s squad one of the Premier League’s toughest opponents.

UEFA’s financial distribution system rewards every stage of the tournament, from the league phase to the knockout rounds, meaning both finalists have already secured significant earnings throughout their European run.

Oliver Glasner side’s victory over Rayo Vallecano guarantees an additional payout for becoming champions, as well as a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League. There was a lot at stake and they delivered when it mattered most.

How much money does the 2026 UEFA Conference League winner get?

Crystal Palace, winner of the 2026 UEFA Conference League final, will receive €7 million in prize money from UEFA. Runner-up Rayo Vallecano is expected to earn €4 million for reaching the final.

UEFA distributes money for every stage of the competition, including league-phase participation bonuses, wins and draws, knockout qualification and market pool revenue. Beyond the direct prize money, the winner will also benefit from increased sponsorship value, ticket revenue and international exposure.

For clubs like Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano, the financial impact is massive. Neither side regularly competes in Europe’s richest tournaments, so this run could become one of the most profitable seasons in club history.

UEFA’s current distribution model awards clubs:

• €3.17 million for qualifying to the league phase
• €400,000 per win
• €133,000 per draw
• Additional bonuses for every knockout round reached
• €7 million to the champion
• €4 million to the runner-up

Does the UEFA Conference League winner qualify for the Europa League?

The winner of the UEFA Conference League automatically qualifies for next season’s UEFA Europa League league phase. That means Crystal Palace secured European soccer again in 2026-27 by winning tonight’s final.

This automatic qualification is one of the biggest incentives attached to the competition. For clubs outside Europe’s traditional elite, winning the Conference League can completely change the following season.

However, UEFA rules include one important exception. If the winner already qualifies for the Champions League or Europa League through domestic league position, UEFA rebalances the access list and the Europa League spot is redistributed elsewhere.

That scenario has become especially relevant for Crystal Palace in recent seasons because of UEFA ownership regulations and qualification complications involving multiple clubs under similar ownership structures.

Which was the last English club to win the UEFA Conference League?

The last English club to win the UEFA Conference League was Chelsea. The Premier League side defeated Real Betis in the 2025 final and became the most recent English winner before Crystal Palace’s appearance in the 2026 final.

Their victory continued England’s strong recent record in European competitions, with Premier League clubs regularly reaching finals across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League during the past decade.

Crystal Palace became the latest English club to win the tournament, joining Chelsea and West Ham United as Champions League Conference winners. West Ham famously lifted the trophy in 2023 after defeating Fiorentina in Prague.

Oliver Glasner’s squad reached the final after eliminating Shakhtar Donetsk and Fiorentina, while Rayo Vallecano stunned Europe with a fearless run that included knockout victories over Strasbourg and AEK Athens.

Both teams arrived in Leipzig chasing history, with neither side having previously played in a major UEFA final despite more than a century of existence. But what exactly happens depending on tonight’s result?

What happens if Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano today?

If Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano today, they will win the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League title and lift the first major European trophy in club history. It would also secure them a direct place in next season’s UEFA Europa League.

For Oliver Glasner’s side, this match represents one of the biggest nights the club has ever experienced. Crystal Palace are playing in their first-ever European final after an impressive Conference League run that included knockout victories.

There is also a major financial boost attached to winning the Conference League due to the prize money. Besides the prestige of winning a UEFA trophy, the Europa League qualification spot would guarantee additional European revenue and bigger international exposure.

What happens if Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano tie today?

If Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano are tied after 90 minutes today, the UEFA Conference League final will go to extra time. If the score remains level after the additional 30 minutes, the champion will then be decided by a penalty shootout.

Unlike league matches, a draw is not a final result in UEFA club competition finals because a winner must be crowned. That means neither team can settle for a tie at the end of regulation time in Leipzig.

Crystal Palace have produced strong attacking displays, while Rayo Vallecano built their campaign on defensive discipline and narrow knockout victories, including back-to-back 1-0 wins over Strasbourg in the semifinals.

What happens if Crystal Palace lose to Rayo Vallecano today?

If Crystal Palace lose to Rayo Vallecano today, they will finish as runners-up in the UEFA Conference League final and miss the opportunity to win the club’s first European trophy. Rayo Vallecano would instead become champions and qualify for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League.

A defeat would still not erase the significance of Palace’s European campaign. Reaching the final already marks the best continental run in club history and represents a major milestone for the Premier League side.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano in the USA

Soccer fans across the United States can catch the match live on cable via CBS Sports Network and TUDN, giving the highly anticipated showdown extensive nationwide exposure.

Those preferring to stream the game online will have several viewing options as well, with coverage available through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+, and ViX so viewers won’t miss any of the live action.

Can I watch Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano for free?

Viewers in the United States can watch the game live on Fubo and DirecTV Stream, with both platforms currently offering a 5-day free trial to eligible new users. Another streaming option is Hulu + Live TV, which includes access to the matchup and comes with a 3-day free trial for first-time subscribers.

Once the free trial expires, fans have the option to either keep the subscription active with a paid plan or cancel the service if they decide it’s not the right fit for them.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Two clubs from Europe’s top leagues chase what would be the first major international trophy in their history. Neither side enjoyed a strong domestic campaign heading into this showdown. A win, tie or loss will have different implications for Crystal Palace or Rayo Vallecano today.

Crystal Palace endured a disappointing Premier League season, finishing on 45 points and ending closer to the relegation battle than the European places, though the Eagles did manage to lift the Community Shield with a win over Liverpool earlier in the year.

Rayo’s La Liga campaign offered slightly more stability, but the Madrid-based club still missed out on European qualification by a single point and failed to produce a defining moment. Now both have one final chance to turn a frustrating season into an unforgettable one.

Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano: Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace (3-4-3): Henderson; Riad, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Pino.

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Mendy, Lejeune, Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, Espino; Alemao.

What time is the Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano match?

The match kicks off today, May 27, at 3:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
Central Time: 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Crystal Palace vs Arsenal in the USA

Soccer fans in the United States will have several ways to watch this must-see matchup live. Viewers looking to stream the action can tune in through DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium.

Meanwhile, those preferring traditional television coverage can catch the game on CNBC. With plenty of excitement surrounding this clash and key points on the line, fans won’t want to miss a minute of the action.

Can I watch Crystal Palace vs Arsenal for free?

Fans in the United States can catch every minute of the matchup live on DirecTV Stream, which currently offers a five-day free trial for new users.

The limited-time promotion gives viewers the opportunity to stream the game at no upfront cost, providing a convenient option for fans looking to watch the action live before committing to a full subscription.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

After finally ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown, Arsenal are set for their final appearance of the campaign with plenty still on the line. The Gunners can now fully celebrate a title that narrowly escaped them several times in recent seasons.

But the focus quickly shifts toward an even bigger opportunity as they prepare for a showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. Standing in their way this last Matchday are Crystal Palace.

The Eagles that struggled to find consistency in league play despite lifting the Community Shield earlier in the season. They will aim to close the league campaign on a positive note before they play the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Benitez; Canvot, Riad, Lacroix; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Kepa; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.

What time is the Crystal Palace vs Arsenal match?

The match kicks off today, May 24, at 11:00 AM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 11:00 AM
Central Time: 10:00 AM
Mountain Time: 9:00 AM
Pacific Time: 8:00 AM

With this matchday played, City equal the number of matches played (36) since Matchday 31 was pending. That means they had one game fewer than Arsenal, and with the victory, they now have 77 points, only 2 behind Arsenal, who have 79.

City secured the victory thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo (32′), Omar Marmoush (42′), and Savinho (83′) to seal the victory, with a double assist from Phil Foden, who played arguably his best match of the season so far.

Manchester City’s remaining fixtures

The Premier League has only two matchdays remaining, and with City now level in games played, they have 6 points left to fight for while also relying on Arsenal’s results to steal the title. However, they still have a difficult match against Aston Villa, who are fifth.

• Bournemouth (away), May 19
• Aston Villa (home), May 24

Arsenal’s Premier League pending matches

Arsenal depend on themselves to become champions; they only need to win their next two matches. However, they still have a UEFA Champions League final ahead of them, so it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta prefers to rest some players or risk everything in search of that double of titles. Difficult weeks where everything can go very right or very wrong.

It is important to remember that Arsenal claimed a hard-fought win over West Ham, winning thanks to a goal from Leandro Trossard in the 83rd minute. If they had lost that game, and with today’s City victory, they would now be level on points.

• Burnley (home), May 18
• Crystal Palace (away), May 24

At a packed Etihad Stadium, the fans got exactly what they wanted: a dominant performance that leaves City just two points behind Arsenal with only two matches remaining in the season.

Despite the City victory, the Gunners still control their own destiny. Arsenal remain in a strong position to claim their 14th Premier League title, but the margin for error has vanished. They could claim the title in the next round against Burnley with a victory, but only if the Citizens fail to defeat Bournemouth in their respective match.

Arsenal’s path to glory

Arsenal are agonizingly close to lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since the “Invincibles” 2003–04 season. Beyond domestic glory, Mikel Arteta’s side is also chasing a historic double, as it prepares to face PSG in the Champions League Final at the Puskas Arena.

Arsenal’s remaining schedule:

• Burnley (Home) – May 18
• Crystal Palace (Away) – May 24
• PSG (Champions League) – May 30

Manchester City’s pursuit of the repeat

For Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s men are exactly where they want to be: lurking just behind the leaders and waiting for a slip-up. While they need Arsenal to drop points in their final two games, City’s focus remain split across two fronts. Before their next league match, they will travel to Wembley to face Chelsea in the FA Cup Final.

Manchester City’s remaining schedule:

• Chelsea (FA Cup Final) – May 16
• Bournemouth (Away) – May 19
• Aston Villa (Home) – May 24

The top of the Premier League standings

Guardiola has opted to keep the Norwegian striker on the bench to manage his fitness ahead of the high-stakes FA Cup Final against Chelsea, set to take place this Saturday, May 16, at Wembley Stadium.

It is undoubtedly a bold gamble by Guardiola. With Haaland leading the Premier League scoring charts with 26 goals, his absence leaves a significant void in the attack for a must-win game. The Spanish manager has turned to Egyptian international Omar Marmoush to lead the line as the central attacking reference.

Guardiola makes more changes against Crystal Palace

The decision to rest star players extends beyond just Erling Haaland. Pep Guardiola has also opted to bench Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku, both of whom have been mainstays in Manchester City’s starting XI this season.

Compared to their previous outing—a dominant 3-0 victory over Brentford—Guardiola has made a total of six changes. In addition to the attacking rotations, Nathan Ake, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico O’Reilly have also been moved to the bench.

To fill the gaps, the Spanish manager has turned to a mix of defensive solidity and creative flair, handing starts to Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Phil Foden and Savinho.

City fighting to stay in the hunt

This matchup is a pivotal moment for Manchester City and the ultimate destination of the Premier League trophy. Eyes in North London will be glued to this game, as today’s result could set the stage for Arsenal to be crowned the new champions.

The math is simple but high-stakes: if Manchester City fail to secure a victory against Crystal Palace, Arsenal could clinch their 14th Premier League title with a win in their next match on Monday, May 18, when they host Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

Manager Pep Guardiola opted for different alternatives in the Citizens’ attack. In the absence of Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush will play as the center forward, accompanied by Savinho, Phil Foden, and Antoine Semenyo.

Arsenal remain at the top of the standings, and City cannot afford to lose this postponed match if they want to stay alive in the title race. Five points separate the two teams, making a win essential for the home side to cut the gap down to two.

Manchester City don’t want to lose hope

Manchester City host Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in a postponed match corresponding to Matchday 31. Once the game is over, both the Citizens and Arsenal — the league’s main contenders — will have played 36 matches.

If City manage to secure the victory, they will cut the gap with the Gunners and keep their hopes of becoming champions fully alive. However, only two matches will remain for them to pull off the feat.

• vs Crystal Palace, Matchday 31
• at Bournemouth, Matchday 37
• vs Aston Villa, Matchday 38

City want to win the FA Cup

Although Manchester City still dream of winning the 2025–26 Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s team will have the chance to lift a trophy next weekend. On Saturday, City will face Chelsea in a new edition of the FA Cup final at Wembley.

How to watch Manchester City vs Crystal Palace in the USA

Fans looking to catch every moment of this highly anticipated showdown will have several ways to tune in, with both streaming services and cable coverage offering access to the action.

Viewers can stream the game live through DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling Blue, while those preferring traditional television can watch the broadcast on USA Network.

Can I watch Manchester City vs Crystal Palace for free?

Fans in the United States will be able to watch this matchup live without paying upfront thanks to DirecTV Stream’s current 5-day free trial offer.

Viewers interested in tuning in can take advantage of the promotional period to stream the game at no cost before the trial expires. It provides a convenient option for fans who want to follow all the action live without committing to an immediate subscription.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Premier League title race heats up as Manchester City finally play their game in hand, with a chance to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, who have two remaining fixtures after beating West Ham on Sunday. Sitting on 74 points, City trail the Gunners by five, meaning a victory would cut the deficit to just two points and ramp up the pressure at the top of the table.

Standing in their way are Crystal Palace, who secured their Premier League status after West Ham’s recent loss but still have plenty to play for as they look to climb as high as possible before the season ends.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Lineups

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Bernardo; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Pino, Sarr; Mateta.

What time is the vs Crystal Palace match?

The match kicks off today, May 13, at 3:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
Central Time: 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

The stakes surrounding the Etihad showdown go beyond just three points. Pep Guardiola‘s squad is balancing ambitions with an FA Cup final ahead, while Palace are also managing a packed calendar with European commitments approaching.

That combination adds another layer of unpredictability to a fixture that was already loaded with consequences. For City supporters, it is the match they have been waiting on for weeks: the one that could either reignite the title dream or leave their hopes hanging by a thread.

What happens if Man City beat Crystal Palace today?

If Manchester City beat Crystal Palace today, Pep Guardiola’s side will move up to 77 points and cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points. With the Gunners currently sitting on 79 points, a victory would keep the title race fully alive heading into the final two matches of the season.

The result would also give City momentum after their recent 3-0 victory over Brentford. Guardiola has repeatedly said his players must keep winning and “be there” if Arsenal stumble late in the season. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have become a dangerous opponent for Manchester in recent years.

What happens if Man City and Crystal Palace tie today?

If Manchester and Crystal Palace draw today, City would move to 75 points and remain four points behind Arsenal with only two matches left to play. While Guardiola’s side would still be mathematically alive in the title race, its chances of catching Arsenal would become extremely slim.

A draw would mean Arsenal remain firmly in control of the Premier League standings at 79 points. In that scenario, the Gunners could potentially clinch the title on Matchday 37. A win over Burnley on Monday would be enough for Arsenal.

For Crystal Palace, taking a point at the Etihad Stadium would represent another impressive result in a season where Oliver Glasner’s side has consistently complicated life for Premier League contenders.

What happens if Man City lose to Crystal Palace today?

If Manchester City lose to Crystal Palace today, they will stay on 74 points and remain five points behind Arsenal with only two games remaining in the season. That result would leave them extremely close to officially losing the Premier League title race.

A defeat would hand complete control of the championship battle back to Arsenal. The Gunners would still lead with 79 points and could potentially secure the Premier League title against Burnley on Monday.

Losing at home to Palace would also be viewed as one of the biggest setbacks of City’s season because this postponed game has been seen as their clearest opportunity to reduce the gap at the top of the table.

The top of the Premier League table ahead of Crystal Palace vs. Man City