Paco Herrera: "We've gone through suffering"

UD Las Palmas will play in the promotion playoff final to Liga BBVA against the winner of the tie between Girona FC and Real Zaragoza. The Canarians made good their 1-1 draw from the first-leg and qualified after a goalless draw at the Estadio de Gran Canaria. Numerous players both from the winning side and R. Valladolid CF spoke with the media after the match.

Juan Carlos Valerón was one of the first to speak openly about the feelings of the side coached by Paco Herrera. "It was a very even match. They are a great team", said the experienced midfielder before assuring that it had been a little nervous at the end of the game because, as he explained, they ball "wouldn't go in". "The important thing is that in the end the scoreline we got in Valladolid and here keeping a clean sheet was enough", added Valerón.

The president of the Canarian side Miguel Ángel Ramírez, for his part, said: "Today we have to be happy because we have gone through. The team played very well, but we can’t miss so many chances". Moreover, the man in charge of the club also assured that the game against the Pucelano "had a lot of lessons", from which the Canarians ought to learn in preparation for the playoff final.

Paco Herrera, the home side's coach, spoke in the press room after sealing qualification: "We killed off a little the areas where they normally work well and where they did us damage at their stadium. But, once again, we have gone through suffering, with critical situations like that of the penalty", he said. Moreover, the boss of the Island outfit was very sporting towards his opponents, saying: "Valladolid deserve to be in the Liga BBVA for the season and the tie they have played, just like we do".

For the Vallisoletanos, coach Joan Francesc Rubi evaluated the tie in the press conference: "Overall in the two games it has been very close between both sides. I want to congratulate our opponents, who are also a great team as we are". Moreover, Rubi also hailed the attitude of his players, saying: "We believed that one move could change the outcome of the tie. I take my hat off to them because they have given everything despite the adversity we have faced".

Finally, Óscar González put down the result of the tie to things that happen in football. "Football is like this. We competed well, but it wasn't to be, it will be for next year. They are the winners and we wish them the best of luck", said the Pucelano midfielder.