Maxence Lacroix: Everyone is proud of the experience and the results achieved.

After Crystal Palace defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to win the UEFA title, Maxence Lacroix, beaming with excitement, couldn't hide his emotions during an interview as the final whistle blew.  

Maxence Lacroix said with a smile: "I think everyone is proud of this journey and everything we have achieved. I always believed the team could win this trophy. Now in Leipzig, we have successfully won this medal."  

The defender expressed his special thanks to the Crystal Palace fans who traveled to the stadium, whose cheers and energy helped the team persevere to the end in this tense and exciting final. Maxence Lacroix said: "It felt like you were fighting with 12, even 13 men. They kept pushing us, always supporting us, making us never alone. I've said before, they are an incredible group of fans. Now we have secured Europa League qualification, but first and foremost, it's time to enjoy it all."  

This was a match with limited chances, where the outcome often hinged on a single goal. Ultimately, after Adam Walton's shot was saved, Jean-Philippe Mateta quickly followed up and scored the only goal of the game.  

When asked if he anticipated the match would be so tense and fragmented, Maxence Lacroix said: "Yes, of course. We knew our opponents were threatening in quick transitions, but we effectively contained them. Defensively, we did a good job limiting their shots. Overall, we accomplished our mission and also scored a beautiful goal."  

Jean-Philippe Mateta's goal sent the Blaugrana fans in the south stand of Leedsburn Stadium into a frenzy, with several Crystal Palace players rushing to the corner flag to mimic the striker's signature celebration.  

The victory in Leipzig not only secured Crystal Palace's first-ever UEFA title but also guaranteed them a place in the Europa League. Reflecting on the journey, Maxence Lacroix summarized: "I think this amazing trip should be made into a video so that everyone who watches it will exclaim, 'What a wonderful life we've been living!'"  

Image source: Internet/Crystal Palace official website