Andrei Rațiu starts for Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig final

andrei rațiu starts at right back for Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final against Crystal Palace on 27 May 2026 in Leipzig. The Romanian defender is in the lineup for a first continental final for both clubs, and the match is being played at Red Bull Arena.

Rayo Vallecano’s 4-2-3-1

Rayo Vallecano lines up in a 4-2-3-1 with Batalla in goal, Rațiu on the right side of the defense, and Lejeune, Ciss and Chavarria completing the back line. O. Valentin and U. Lopez sit in midfield behind De Frutoz, Isi Palazon, A. Garcia and Alemao.

Crystal Palace’s 3-4-3

Crystal Palace is set up in a 3-4-3 for the sixth edition of the Conference League. Maurizio Mariani is the referee, and Oliver Glasner had called the final a chance for Palace to finish with a trophy after saying, "Ar fi un final perfect să câștigăm trofeul."

The match was stopped for 5 minutes in the final of the first half because a supporter needed medical attention. That pause sat inside a final already carrying extra weight, with both clubs playing in their first continental final and Rayo coming in after a strong run under Inigo Perez.

For Rayo, the key detail is Rațiu’s place in the starting XI at right back. The lineup gives the Romanian international a direct role in a European final on the biggest stage of his club career, while Palace also arrives with Glasner in his last match in charge and the chance to leave with the first European trophy in the club’s history.