Rayo Vallecano boss insists his team were superior to Real Madrid: ‘I’m very hurt because…’ | OneFootball

Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez chose restraint over controversy following his side’s 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid. 

Despite the match being decided deep into stoppage time amid heated debate, the Rayo coach declined to comment on the refereeing decisions that dominated the post-match discussion.

When asked directly about the added time and the penalty awarded for a foul on Brahim Diaz, Perez shut down the topic immediately. 

“I’m not going to say anything,” before adding, “I don’t talk about referees.” 

Injury-time winner

Instead, Perez focused on the sporting side of the defeat, even though the manner of the loss clearly hurt. 

Rayo Vallecano saw their resistance broken by a late penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe, a moment that ultimately decided the match. 

The visitors finished the game with just nine players following the sendings-off of Pathe Ciss and Pep Chavarria, compounding their frustration.

Perez reflected on the overall performance and the disappointment of leaving Madrid without points. 

“We did a lot of things well, a lot of excellent things, but the reality is that we lost. 

“I don’t have to juggle because I’m not the typical coach who changes his tune because they scored a goal in added time.”

More on the match

Inigo Perez was not satisfied with the result. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The Rayo manager went further, making a bold assessment of the match when both teams had the same number of players on the pitch. 

He openly stated his belief that his side had the upper hand for long spells. Admitting how deeply the defeat affected him, Perez explained, 

“I’m very hurt because we lost. Eleven against eleven, I think we were superior, but we lacked determination and desire. 

“I understand that Real Madrid’s jersey imposes itself in those final meters, but in the rest of the meters we were superior.” 

He concluded bluntly, “The reality is that we lost.”

Playing at Santiago Bernabeu

Perez also offered insight into the psychological challenge of playing at the Bernabeu. 

He explained how Real Madrid’s aura can influence matches, saying, “Real Madrid, even if they defend poorly, can impose their jersey. They sense that, they smell fear.” 

He revealed the message delivered in the dressing room, adding, “The idea was to get rid of that feeling so they could let go. They’ve been too fearful.”

Finally, reflecting on the extended stoppage time that ultimately decided the game, Perez underlined the mental battle his side faced. 

“We went through the expected, planned psychological phases, but you have to know that they exist. Here, you have to get rid of your fear if you want to win.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo