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“Playing a final is enough of an incentive”
Juan Ignacio Ibarra previews RCD Espanyol Femení's second division play-off final second leg
RCD Espanyol women’s head coach Juan Ignacio Ibarra spoke in a press conference ahead of the second division play-off final second leg on Thursday.
The pericas trail 1-0 after the first leg defeat to CA Osasuna Femenino at El Sadar, but they are back at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque where they will aim to overturn the deficit to earn their return to the Liga F, the top flight of Spanish football.
Ibarra said, “We will stand up for the badge and the fans. I see a very great optimistic atmosphere in the team, convinced and with belief. We have to fight until the end and that is how we will face tomorrow's game: this team competes like the best. The team stood up, even though we lost. I look ahead to tomorrow hopeful that, with our fans, we can achieve it”.
Espanyol reached the play-off final after overcoming SE AEM Femenino in the first round, winning home and away earlier this month. Osasuna narrowly edged the first leg, with it all to play for in the return fixture in front of the white-and-blue fans.
Ibarra continued, “Playing in a final is enough of an incentive. We have been working hard all season and now we have reached the final. We have had our last training session of the season, and we are positive and optimistic. The team knows what is at stake; they are going to give their all and enjoy it because it is not often that a final is played and a badge is defended”.