Crystal Palace of England were crowned UEFA Conference League champions after defeating Rayo Vallecano of Spain 1-0 in the continental final played at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. Colombian players Muñoz and Lerma were crowned Conference League champions with Crystal Palace. Daniel Muñoz started the match at right-back and lifted the trophy alongside his compatriot Jefferson Lerma, who came on as a substitute.
The victory secures the English side’s direct qualification for the next edition of the UEFA Europa League and marks the end of Austrian manager Oliver Glasner’s tenure, who will leave his post after this match.
The UEFA Conference League is the third most important club competition in European football. The tournament brings together teams that qualify through their domestic leagues or are eliminated in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League and Europa League.
The competition allows teams from all 55 UEFA member associations to participate, thus broadening the competitive landscape for clubs with lower coefficients across the continent.
Mateta’s goal decides the European final
French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a rebound after goalkeeper Augusto Batalla parried an earlier shot from Adam Wharton. The London side defended their narrow lead through the final stages of the game against pressure from the Madrid club.
Muñoz played the entire match, while midfielder Lerma remained on the bench and did not see any playing time during the championship final. Both players celebrated their trophy win on the field before beginning their journey back to the Americas.
The impact of the Colombian duo at Crystal Palace
The presence of the two South American footballers proved fundamental for the British coaching staff in the overall structure of the squad throughout the season. Muñoz consolidated his place in the starting lineup by playing key matches in the final stages and providing stability on the right flank. The full-back offered consistency in tracking back defensively and clear distribution, facilitating the progression of the English team’s lines.
Crystal Palace, Champions of Europe ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/IH4xFdMA3V
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 27, 2026
Lerma, in turn, maintained his status as an indispensable part of the team’s backbone thanks to his leadership and experience. The midfielder provided tactical balance and defensive options for the coach in the earlier rounds, which helped secure qualification for the grand final. The influence of both players within the locker room ensured the team’s solidity during the weeks of double competition.
Trip to Colombia’s training camp in Bogota
The two footballers are traveling to Bogota to immediately join the Colombian national team. They will integrate directly into the national squad after the official club season in Europe concludes.
The Colombian Football Federation has centralized training at its sports complex in Bogota under the direction of Argentine head coach Nestor Lorenzo. The coach included Muñoz and Lerma among the 26 players called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both players will begin physical training focused on the friendly match scheduled against Costa Rica, set for Monday, June 1. at 6:00 pm at the Nemesio Camacho El Campin Stadium in Bogota.
Their journey in the South American qualifiers
The two Crystal Palace players secured their place in the World Cup squad after consistent performances in the South American qualifiers. Muñoz established himself as the starting right-back, accumulating playing time and contributing regularly both defensively and offensively.
Lerma also played a key role in the Tricolor’s midfield throughout the qualifying campaign. The midfielder was instrumental in winning back possession and provided tactical balance in both home and away matches. Both players’ previous performances in the continental competition support their inclusion in the final squad for the global tournament.