Three members of the Crystal Palace defence discussed a big win in the Conference League final.The Eagles earned a 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano through a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Yeremy Pino smacked both posts from a free kick in a frenetic start to the second half in Leipzig.
But it was fitting for the group to keep a clean sheet in the final fixture of the Oliver Glasner era. Even though the team failed to win any of their last seven Premier League fixtures, they had the fourth best defence in the division until the end of April, and it has been a bedrock for their success.
·‘Special moments with special people’
Academy graduate Tyrick Mitchell has made his name as a lockdown defender from the left of the rearguard, and he has evolved into a wing-back with more offensive responsibilities under Glasner. He is proud to have played a part in the last year to have made so much history with his boyhood club.
"It's something you dream of but you don't think is reality.
“We have made it a reality I am proud of everyone, past and present, that helped us get to this point. We played 60 games this season and so many of our bodies are not used to it. There were a few times where we weren't winning, but if it meant that we got here and won it we would do it all over again.
"It's the same feeling that we had when we won the FA Cup; pure delight, pure emotion and we are just so happy we got it over the line."
Maxence Lacroix is a much more recent arrival, having moved from Wolfsburg to Croydon in the summer of 2024, just in time for the FA Cup run and the triumph in the Community Shield against Manchester City and Liverpool respectively. A third trophy in two years could not have been expected, but the Frenchman, who will be going to the World Cup, is grateful for every success.
"It's a lot of work, a lot of commitment, and the desire to fight for this family. This is what we saw today on the field. To lift a trophy for the first time in Europe is unbelievable.
"The rest of my career I don't know what will happen, but this moment is a beautiful moment. Winning a trophy and then going to the World Cup and having a chance to win another trophy is unbelievable. I will enjoy with the fans and my family.
"Of course we are good players, of course we are good guys, of course we have a good gaffer but it is also the grace of God. We put our trust in him from the start and now we lift three trophies in two years, so it is working."
Shot stopper Dean Henderson has been rewarded for his decision to depart from Manchester United to be a first-choice option for a Premier League outfit, and he again hailed the spirit of the squad.
"These boys amaze me. It's very special tonight. It is our 60th game and these boys have run around all season. We have had difficult times this season but on nights like these, the boys have delivered.
"These are special moments with special people and memories that will last a lifetime.
"I am trying to soak it all in. There is a mixture of emotions; it is like a weight lifted off your shoulders because you want to deliver and I had no doubt the boys would. The best team deserved to win.
"We have got back what we deserved from last season. It is a fairytale. The manager has been incredible; he deserves this send-off. This is how it should have ended."