Crystal Palace head into the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano as the clear favorites according to bookmakers, betting markets and most pre-match previews.
While both clubs are preparing for the first major European final in their history, Palace arrive with stronger market backing thanks to their attacking form, Premier League pedigree and deeper squad quality.
However, Rayo Vallecano’s remarkable European campaign has already shown they are capable of upsetting more established opponents, meaning the final in Leipzig could still become one of the competition’s most unpredictable showpieces.
Crystal Palace favored by bookmakers
According to Melbet, Crystal Palace enter the UEFA Conference League final as clear favorites both in the standard match result market and in the outright “to lift the trophy” category.
The Eagles are currently receiving significantly shorter odds than Rayo Vallecano across several betting markets, reflecting stronger bookmaker confidence in Oliver Glasner’s side ahead of kickoff in Leipzig.
Melbet currently prices Crystal Palace at 1.88 to win the match in regular time, while Rayo Vallecano are listed at 4.18. The draw after 90 minutes is available at 3.52.
In the outright winner market, Palace remain favorites to lift the Conference League trophy. Melbet prices the London side at 1.46 to become champions, while Rayo Vallecano are available at 2.72.
Those odds suggest bookmakers view Crystal Palace as the stronger overall side due to their attacking quality, deeper squad depth and experience against higher-level opposition throughout the season. However, Rayo Vallecano’s impressive unbeaten run and fearless European performances still make the Spanish side a dangerous underdog heading into the final.
Form of both teams
Despite entering the final as favorites, Crystal Palace have not been in perfect form domestically.
The Eagles failed to win any of their final four Premier League matches and finished 15th in the table, although much of the club’s focus had already shifted toward the Conference League.
Palace’s latest match ended in a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at Selhurst Park, where Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a late consolation goal. Before that, Palace secured a crucial 2-1 semifinal victory over Shakhtar Donetsk to book their place in Leipzig.
Even during their inconsistent league run, Palace have remained one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking sides. Oliver Glasner’s team have scored 25 goals during their Conference League campaign, making them the tournament’s top-scoring side.
Rayo Vallecano arrive with arguably stronger momentum overall. The Spanish side are unbeaten in nine consecutive competitive matches and recently secured a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés in La Liga.
Inigo Perez has built one of the most disciplined and resilient teams in the competition. Rayo have won 10 Conference League matches this season and have consistently frustrated opponents with their aggressive pressing and defensive organization.
Unlike Palace, Rayo missed out on European qualification through their domestic league and now view the final as their only route into next season’s Europa League.
- Also read: Where to Watch Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano – UEFA Conference League Final 05/27/2026
Can Ismaila Sarr decide the final?
Much of Palace’s attacking hopes rest on Ismaila Sarr, who has been one of the standout performers in the Conference League this season.
The Senegal international leads the competition scoring charts with nine goals in 12 matches, including goals in each of Palace’s last five knockout fixtures.
Sarr also made Conference League history earlier in the semifinals after scoring just 21 seconds into the first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk — the fastest goal ever recorded in the competition.
Across all competitions, Sarr has produced 21 goals and two assists in 44 appearances this season, making him Palace’s most dangerous attacking weapon heading into the final.
His pace in transition and direct movement behind defenders could become decisive against Rayo’s aggressive defensive line.
Score prediction
Although Crystal Palace enter the final as favorites, Rayo Vallecano’s form and fearless attacking style make them extremely dangerous opponents.
Both sides have consistently produced goals throughout the tournament, and neither team appears likely to sit back in a historic European final.
Predicted score: Crystal Palace 2-3 Rayo Vallecano
Predicted goalscorers:
Crystal Palace — Ismaila Sarr, Brennan Johnson
Rayo Vallecano — Álvaro García, Sergio Camello, Jorge De Frutos
Final thoughts
Crystal Palace may enter the Conference League final as bookmakers’ favorites, but Rayo Vallecano have spent the entire season proving they are capable of competing with bigger clubs.
With both teams chasing the first European trophy in their history, the atmosphere in Leipzig is expected to be electric.
Palace possess greater individual attacking quality, while Rayo bring momentum, intensity and absolutely nothing to lose. That combination could produce one of the most entertaining Conference League finals to date.
- Also read: Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Prize Money