Alaves defender Theo Hernandez is eager to make history today and defeat Lionel Messi and his Barcelona team-mates in the Copa del Rey final.
The two La Liga sides go head to head tonight in the showpiece event at the Vicente Calderon, in what will be Alaves’ first final since the gripping UEFA Cup defeat to Liverpool back in 2001.
Former Reds defender Mauricio Pellegrino has impressed many since taking charge at Alaves, transforming the club on what has been a shoestring budget.
One man who has made a big impression under Pellegrino is Hernandez, who is spending the season on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid.
And Hernandez – who is reportedly on the verge of joining Atletico’s city rivals Real in the summer – is now eager to round off the season on a high by beating Barcelona and Messi.
“I wanted to play this final because it’s a dream for me. Of Course we can win. We won there, at Camp Nou, in La Liga,” Hernandez told Mundo Deportivo.
“Initially, I didn’t think I’d be able to be where we are with Alaves. With the work and the effort of the whole team, we’ve reached a big final.
“I’m always excited about beating Barca. They’re a great team. It’s very difficult to stop Messi but we’re going to do everything possible to try.”
If Messi does get on the scoresheet tonight, then the Argentine star will overtake compatriot Alfredo Di Stefano in the list of all-time scorers in the competition – both players are currently 11th on 43 goals each.
Comments
Post a Comment