Yeremy Pino’s Crystal Palace end Iñigo Pérez’s Rayo dream | OneFootball

Yeremy Pino’s Crystal Palace ended Iñigo Pérez’s Rayo Vallecano dream, winning the Conference League final in Leipzig. The former Villarreal academy graduate lifted the trophy, the third title of his career.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, around 12,000 Rayo fans travelled to Leipzig and unfurled a banner reading “Llévala al barrio, mi amor”. They retained their pride even as the cup headed to Crystal Palace.

In minute 35, Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla sat down to alert the referee to a medical emergency in the stands. Play was halted while a supporter who had slipped and hit his head received treatment, then resumed despite Batalla’s protests.

The first half largely suited Rayo, with Palace offering little until stoppage time when Mitchell headed wide from close range unmarked. Earlier, Alemao and Unai López had gone close for Pérez’s side.

After the interval, Wharton drove forward and struck from distance, Batalla parried into danger and Mateta finished to punish Rayo. It was the moment that shifted the night.

Five minutes later, Pino’s direct free-kick cannoned off both posts as Palace threatened to pull away. Rayo regrouped with more than half an hour left but could not prise open a rugged back line.

The cup did not make it back to the barrio, yet this Rayo will be remembered for staying true to the club, its supporters and its neighbourhood. For Iñigo Pérez, the future Villarreal coach, it was a defeat without disgrace.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo