News Focus
- Rayo Vallecano suffered a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League final
- Manager Inigo Perez became emotional when speaking about the supporters’ reaction to the loss
- Fans unveiled a banner stating their pride in the team despite the defeat
- Perez refused to answer questions regarding his future at the Spanish club
- The Rayo boss admitted Crystal Palace were the better side on the night
Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez fought back tears as he faced the media following his team’s narrow defeat in the UEFA Conference League final. The Spanish side lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in a tense clash, leaving the Vallecas club without European silverware.
Perez entered the press conference to warm applause but struggled to contain his emotions. He explained that watching supporters cry after the match caused him deep pain. The coach stated that seeing the fans’ disappointment breaks your spirit, even though the supporters themselves tried to lift the players’ morale.
The Rayo faithful displayed a powerful message of solidarity at full-time. They raised a banner which read: “The greatest victory, was being with you in defeat.” This gesture touched Perez deeply. He noted that the fans demand strength yet offer unwavering support during difficult moments.
The manager rejected suggestions that this result represented a failure of the club’s philosophy. He insisted that Rayo Vallecano’s true character shows in daily life at the training ground and in the local community, not just in cup finals. Perez emphasized that the neighbourhood and the fans remain the driving force behind everything the club achieves.
Regarding the match itself, Perez showed grace in defeat. He accepted that Crystal Palace deserved their victory. The winning goal came from an isolated attacking move that shocked his team. Although Rayo Vallecano recovered their composure after conceding, they could not find an equaliser. Perez admitted his team never reached their usual high standards during the 90 minutes.
When journalists asked about his personal future, Perez declined to comment. He called it unfair to discuss such matters immediately after the final whistle. However, he praised his squad’s togetherness, describing them as genuine friends who protect one another.
The defeat ends a memorable European campaign for the Madrid-based club. Perez remains proud of his players’ efforts throughout the season, though the final result leaves a bitter taste for everyone connected with Rayo Vallecano.