- Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano in UEFA Conference League final
- Yeremy Pino gives his thoughts
- Explain what awaits Oliver Glasner’s side
There are some similarities between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano that Yeremy Pino has explained in a recent interview. The two clubs meet in the UEFA Conference League final on May 27th.
Palace are dreaming of European glory ahead of their trip to Leipzig for the final later this month. They face a Spanish side similarly on the brink of a historic feat.
Inigo Perez’s men have overachieved, overcoming many obstacles to reach the Conference League final. An underdog story, much like the Eagles’ rise in recent years, and one that Pino highlighted.
“Incredible” – Pino on Rayo Vallecano
Pino knows Rayo from his time playing in La Liga with Villarreal. He gave his thoughts on Perez’s side and the challenge that awaits Palace.
The Eagles attacker told NewsShopper:
“It’s nice to play against a Spanish team, with my national teammates. It’s going to be an experience, something different. I hope to see them soon – and that they lose, obviously!”
He added:
“But the truth is I am happy for Rayo, for all the difficulties they have had over the years, and I am glad about the fact that they will be there. They have a great coach [Iñigo Pérez]. They have incredible players like Ilias and Jorge.“
Rayo have caught the eye in La Liga this season and currently sit 10th with 10 wins and 12 defeats in 36 games. Their Conference League campaign has been impressive and they beat Strasbourg 2-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
Pino added:
“It’s going to be an entertaining final. It’s one match and Rayo are a great team. Anything can happen. They’re going to want to win, and we’re going to try to beat them. They are going to fight just like us, 11 vs 11 because they know how important it is for their neighbourhood, as they say, and for us too.”
“Very nice we’re both in the final”
Palace are renowned for their passionate fanbase and Pino pointed out how devoted the Spanish club’s supporters are:
“The fans of both teams are incredible. It’s all the club’s support, and it’s very nice that we’re both in the final.”
He added:
“It doesn’t matter about the budget [of the clubs]. In the end, it’s a match that has to be played with the ball and with the tactics of the coaches.”
Pino will be eager to start the final and he’s on course to do so given his recent run in Glasner’s starting lineup. He arrived at Palace from Villarreal for £30m last summer and has made 48 appearances across competitions, posting five goals and four assists.
