Glasner's palace revolution: European Cup win against Vallecano

Great chance through Mitchell

The game was unable to keep up for a long time. Duels were fought with great aggression and both teams were extremely willing to run. That was at the expense of the game. Neither Palace nor Rayo managed a shot on goal in the first half. Nevertheless, there were three thrills. On 21 minutes, Yéremy Pino was on his way to the Rayo goal but was fouled by Pathé Ciss. Referee Maurizio Mariani showed a yellow card, but an emergency brake could also have been argued.

After around 35 minutes, the game was interrupted for around three minutes. A Vallecano fan had apparently fallen down a flight of stairs and required medical treatment. Palace then had their big chance in first-half stoppage time. Adam Wharton crossed from the back into the penalty area, but Tyrick Mitchell (45.+1), who was completely free to finish, headed the ball next to the goal.

Mateta is in the right place

After the restart, Wharton had another idea. Instead of crossing, the international shot from around 20 meters. Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla deflected the ball forward - straight onto Mateta's foot. The goal gave Palace a boost - and great chances. A free-kick from Pino (55') landed first at the left post and then bounced from there to the right. Two minutes later, Mateta was in the right place again, but this time Batalla deflected the ball around the post.

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