Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez has urged his players to embody Vallecas and their supporters in their upcoming Conference League final clash with Crystal Palace. The match is scheduled for Wednesday night at 21:00 CEST in Germany’s Leipzig Arena.
Following their arrival in Germany on Monday night, Rayo conducted their final training session at the Leipzig Arena on Tuesday evening. Perez stressed the need for the team to remain focused and minimize distractions.
“We will encounter unfamiliar situations. It’s crucial to tune out the external noise and embrace whatever comes our way. We must preserve our identity – and that identity should be sufficient to secure victory.”
“Only one step remains. I’m reluctant to use the phrase ‘We have to win.’ I cannot impose that on the players. My hope is that they will replicate the approach that brought them this far and maintain their existing routines – this will foster a sense of calm and confidence.”
“We Must Represent Vallecas and Our Fans”
Perez highlighted the significance of his team continuing to represent Vallecas, the vibrant neighborhood that has become synonymous with Rayo. He believes this representation is paramount, even if victory isn’t guaranteed.
“Beyond any comparisons attached to the sport – which are irrelevant to the game itself – we must represent Vallecas and our fans. If we manage this and keep our passion burning, we will be on the right path. While we cannot control the outcome, we can control everything else. We should dismiss marketing-driven comparisons.”
The journey to Leipzig marks the largest contingent of traveling supporters Rayo has ever assembled for a match. Back in Vallecas, large crowds gathered outside the stadium hoping to watch the game on a big screen.
“I’ve been vocal about this all year. There’s a profound emotional connection and a tremendous sense of responsibility – not necessarily for the result itself, but to ensure that our actions make them proud. This final will be no different. I hope we can present them with a style of play that reflects all our achievements to date.”
Similarities Between Rayo and Palace
The Rayo Vallecano manager observed similarities between his team and their opponents, despite differing manifestations.
“We share certain traits and possess a similar understanding of sacrifice. While our tactical structures differ, we both prioritize the collective. When these forces clash, the impact is bound to be significant. At the outset of the competition, if we had to choose an opponent, they would have been our preference.”
Perez admitted that he personally found the lead-up to the match more challenging than his players.
“I feel a pressure to ensure they receive the information clearly. Until yesterday, I was preoccupied with it. Now, it’s up to them. As players, they are the ones on the field, directly experiencing those stimuli. Both roles carry their own responsibilities. However, the focus is now on the players.”
Oscar Trejo: “Tomorrow a Group of Friends Will Play”
While Alvaro Garcia reflected on the unlikelihood of his younger self envisioning a professional football career, let alone a European final, Oscar Trejo reiterated the unity within the dressing room.
“Tomorrow, a group of friends will have the privilege of playing. It will be magical. The journey has been arduous; at the beginning, we questioned how long it would last. Let’s go out there tomorrow, give our all, and savor the experience.”
This match will mark Trejo’s final appearance for Rayo after a decade of service across two spells.
“I am grateful for this moment and for my teammates. Emotions and anxieties will surface, but this is meant to be enjoyed – not just by us, but also by the people who have come out to support us. Hopefully, we can bring them happiness.”
Both Rayo and Palace are vying for their first-ever international trophy. For Rayo, this would also be their inaugural major honor. The sentiment in Vallecas is that this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and they appear determined to embrace it rather than be burdened by the pressure. Palace manager Oliver Glasner also projected a relaxed demeanor, expressing satisfaction with his team’s preparation.
