Heartbreak for Pablo Hernandez as Leeds United icon cruelly misses out on La Liga promotion | OneFootball

Pablo Hernandez came within minutes of taking Castellon into La Liga on Monday, only for Almeria to seize promotion with a late comeback sealed in stoppage time in the La Liga 2 play-off final.

According to Leedsunited.news, the outcome left the Leeds United great and his squad crestfallen after edging so close.

Castellon had led deep into the night, Almeria then found an equaliser before adding an injury-time winner to complete a late comeback.

Leeds supporters know Hernandez thrives when the stakes are high. Signed by Garry Monk in 2016, he became a cornerstone under Marcelo Bielsa, his July 2020 winner against Swansea City nudging Leeds towards ending a 16-year Premier League exile.

He departed Elland Road with 175 appearances, 36 goals and 41 assists, the return that cemented El Mago among the club’s most cherished modern figures.

The near miss stings more because Castellon is his academy side and a club in which he previously held a stake before stepping into management.

Under Hernandez, Castellon collected 43 points from a possible 60, a surge that propelled them into promotion contention despite falling short on the night.

The defeat will linger, yet his work in the dugout has enhanced his reputation. Next season, he will be aiming for more.

Source: Leedsunited.news