Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Europa Conference League Final Predictions - Palace to bring their A-game to rout Rayo
Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano face off in a first-ever competitive meeting, both having concluded moderately successful domestic seasons. Palace finished 15th in the Premier League, struggling for consistency, while Rayo closed their La Liga campaign with a strong unbeaten run, finishing 8th. Injuries could affect both sides, with Crystal Palace's Chris Richards and Adam Wharton listed as doubtful, and Rayo sweating on Ilias Akhomach's fitness. The prediction favors a Palace win, with Jean-Philippe Mateta tipped to score. Jorge de Frutos is recommended for Rayo’s top-scorer bet.
- Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the final of the Europa Conference League.
- Crystal Palace won their first major trophy in 2025 when they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
- Can Palace reel in just their second major title by beating Rayo Vallecano in their Europa Conference League Final clash on 27 May 2026?
Chris Richards of Crystal Palace (Getty Images).
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions
Crystal Palace have had a poor run of form running up to the final, but they have been excellent in Europe. Rayo Vallecano have been in great form in La Liga with a good unbeaten run coming into the final, but Palace have had the better preparation through their competition in the Premier League.
- Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Predictions
- Head-to-Head
- Crystal Palace Form
- Rayo Vallecano Form
- Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Team News & Squads
- Crystal Palace have won just twice in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Crystal Palace have failed to score in three of their last 10 matches.
- Crystal Palace have scored 19 goals in their last 13 matches.
- Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Rayo Vallecano have kept five clean sheets in their last nine matches.
- Rayo Vallecano have scored 20 goals in their last 13 matches.
Head-to-Head
The two teams have never met in a competitive match before.
Crystal Palace Form
Crystal Palace ended the English Premier League season in 15th place, just six points off the drop zone. Their form in the season has been patchy, losing 15 matches, drawing 12 and winning just 11.
Palace enjoyed some highlights during the season, such as losing to champions Arsenal twice by just one goal per match, as well as beating Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield and 2-1 at home, but overall they have been too inconsistent.
Palace have struggled for goals this season, with just two players scoring more than four goals in the season. Ismaila Sarr (9 goals) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (12 goals) have been their most effective players in front of goal.
Rayo Vallecano Form
Rayo Vallecano ended their La Liga season with a seven-match unbeaten run that yielded four victories. They finished one place off the Europa Conference League places, ending 8th in the league.
They picked up an impressive 11 points in their last five matches, but their La Liga wins (12) were matched by their defeats (12), along with 14 draws.
They also had just two players scoring more than four goals in the season. Jorge de Frutos (10 goals) and Sergio Camello (5 goals) were their most successful strikers.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Team News & Squads
Palace coach Oliver Glasner rotated his side for their season finale against Premier League champs Arsenal in order to ensure that their Conference League final squad is as fresh as possible. They have injury concerns with Chris Richards and Adam Wharton still getting attention from the fitness table, but both could potentially place a part in the final.
Rayo have a major injury concern with Ilias Akhomach not yet cleared as fit for action, but they do have Álvaro García back in action. Garcia is Rayo's second-highest scorer in the Conference League.
Crystal Palace (possible XI): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Pino.
Rayo Vallecano (possible XI): Batalla; Rațiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría; Óscar Valentín, López, Isi Palazón, García, De Frutos; Alemão.
Verdict
I am backing Palace to win. I am also backing Jean-Philippe Mateta to score for Palace.
Jorge de Frutos is a good bet to top-score for Rayo.
Jorge de Frutos is a good bet to top-score for Rayo.
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