Heartbroken Rayo Vallecano regret missed chances in Conference League defeat

[p]The Madrid side ‌[a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/crystal-palace-AovF1Mia/rayo-vallecano-8bcjFy6O/?mid=Q17aZoV7"]narrowly missed out on a historic triumph in ‌Leipzig[/a], with midfielder [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/palazon-isaac/x2AuZhpr/"]Isi Palazon[/a] reduced to ‌tears despite what had been a memorable continental run.[/p][p]“[b]We just couldn’t put the finishing touch ‌on it,[/b]” Palazon told Movistar ⁠Plus. “[b]Next year we’ll ‌bounce back and bring joy to these people ​who’ve made a huge financial sacrifice to be here. We weren’t clinical, ​and we have to accept the defeat[/b].”[/p][embed guid="aea0af84-b276-47d6-81fd-f699c3691546" url="https://x.com/RayoVallecano/status/2059741490826408168?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]Travelling Rayo fans remained in the stands after ⁠the final whistle ​to applaud their players, who stood dejected on the pitch.[/p][p]Captain [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/valentin-oscar/fcuYevNb/"]Oscar Valentin[/a] said Palace’s physical approach had made it difficult for ‌his side to impose themselves.[/p][p]“[b]The team gave their all, but we were never comfortable,[/b]” Valentin said. “[b]They were very physical and tough for us. Reaching the final is a gift, but we’re gutted because it felt within reach. I’m speechless for these fans[/b].”[/p][p]Veteran midfielder [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/trejo-oscar/42E71F4r/"]Oscar Trejo[/a] urged the team ‌to take pride in their unexpected run ​to the final, despite the disappointment.[/p][p]“[b]It hurts ‌terribly because the team gave everything,[/b]” Trejo said. “[b]We feel even more for the fans. They spent all their money on this trip, and it’s a shame ⁠we couldn’t take ⁠the cup home.[/b]”[/p]