Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson revealed he allowed himself to dream about lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy on the eve of the final – a dream that became reality.
His side defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final in Leipzig on Wednesday to claim their first European trophy in their debut campaign.
“I was thinking about it a bit last night,” he said following the game. “It crept into my mind, but, honestly, it was an out-of-body experience [lifting it]. It was incredible and I’m just delighted, so happy.
“These boys, this manager, the staff, the fans, everything about this football club; we deserve this. We worked so hard. We went through difficult times; [the] unchartered water [of] 60 games and we delivered on the night. It's so special.
“It means everything, honestly. The last two years with this group of players and the manager have been incredible and for this football club, historic. I don’t think it really sinks in right at this moment. In a few years I think it will but it's important to take a week or so just to reflect and realise that this is an incredible experience, incredible for the football club.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal in the 51st minute put the Eagles ahead and it could have been more in a blistering opening to the second period of a game in which Henderson had little to do.
The former Manchester United player registered just one save as Rayo Vallecano struggled to create chances behind the defence or in space, restricted to long-range shots.
“It’s not only down to me; it’s down to the team – a team effort. We defended from the front and everyone did their individual jobs. It was a quiet evening for me but the lads brought it home,” he said.
“When we got the first goal I knew we’d see it out. I’m so confident in everyone in the team. Big occasions like this, we’ve delivered every time so far. There’s no other team that I’d want to go to war with. These lads, the togetherness we’ve got in the group and the belief individually and collectively we’ve got, is pretty phenomenal
“But Rayo Vallecano are a good team,” added the 29-year-old. “They’re a difficult opposition, tactically very good and a high-pressing team. The manager (Glasner) said to play over them, play over the press, [and] take away their strength – which is incredible from him – which we did. We won our duels at the top of the pitch, and ultimately, we could have had two, three (goals). We managed to get over the line. It’s incredible. We were incredible.”
Henderson all took time to praise the estimated 20,000 Palace supporters who travelled to eastern Germany to the RB Arena, which held 13,000 South London ticket-holders officially.
“They deserve this moment,” he said about the fans. “They were the 12th man. When we scored, the ‘boom’ (celebration) was the loudest I've ever heard it, and I was at the other end (of the pitch). It was incredible. They were so loud, and I'm so happy [for them].”
Throughout the entire UEFA Conference League campaign, Henderson has been vocal about the club losing their UEFA Europa League place after a ruling related to multi-club ownership in the summer.
And he was in no doubt that justice has finally been served as the club is now promoted to the second-tier European competition, a campaign which manager Oliver Glasner will not spearhead after announcing he would leave the club at the end of the season.
“It's a fairytale, really. Obviously, we qualified for Europa League last season, but honestly, this is such a special way to get it back,” he said.
“This is the way the manager deserves to go as well – let's put it right. He's been incredible. The last two years have been phenomenal, and it's something we'll look back with fond memories. Every good movie deserves a happy ending, and we've got that tonight.”
Share