Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano ref watch: Three decisions Maurizio Mariani got wrong in Conference League final

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Credit: Imago Wed 27 May 2026 22:03, UK Crystal Palace won the Conference League with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the final at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday.The Eagles came closest to an opening in a tense first half as Adam Wharton’s chipped cross was headed wide by Tyrick Mitchell.Jean-Philippe Mateta was then on hand to tap Palace ahead just after the break, as he pounced on a rebound after Augusto Batalla palmed Wharton’s shot away.Yeremy Pino nearly made it 2-0 moments later with a fierce long-range free-kick that struck both posts, while Mateta was soon denied inside the box by a smart Batalla save.Pep Chavarria should have been booked for Ismaila Sarr foulMariani had no problems getting his cards out in the first half, as Pathe Ciss, Isi Palazon and Adam Wharton were each cautioned.He did miss a very clear booking in the 33rd minute, however, as Palace winger Sarr was chopped down off the ball as he tried to run in behind the Vallecano defence.Minutes played95′Accurate passes8/12Shots2Touches in opposition box5Ground duels won4/6Fouls won3Sarr’s stats vs Vallecano MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Sarr was just trying to angle his run beyond Chavarria on the right flank before the 28-year-old clearly brought him down from behind with a foot to his ankle.The challenge left Sarr writhing in pain as treatment was needed, yet Mariani wrongly failed to produce a card, or even blow his whistle for a free-kick.Sarr’s trickery should have earned Florian Lejeune a yellow tooVallecano’s Unai Lopez became the first player to be booked in the second half in the 48th minute, but Mariani again missed a clear yellow card six minutes later that should have been shown to Lejeune.The ex-Newcastle defender made no attempt to play the ball as he hacked Sarr down while he tried to make his way into the box.He was almost made to pay as Pino went close, but somehow got away without a booking in another clear oversight by Mariani.Adam Wharton should have won a corner for Palace late onPalace were pushing to see the game out late on and thought they had won a corner as Wharton made a run down the right flank in the 92nd minute.The England midfielder clearly played the ball against Chavarria, but Mariani somehow pointed to the six-yard box instead.The decision ultimately did not matter for either side, but could well have done as Rayo went up the other end and pushed to win. 🦅 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Crystal Palace Insider Access Get the full story from Selhurst Park and Beckenham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of South London.