Pepe Reina saved a penalty in the 90th minute to achieve victory against Rennes (1-0)
He became the Spanish player with the most matches in continental competition
The match between Villarreal and the Rennes will be forever marked in the memory of Pepe Reina like one of the most beautiful nights since he arrived at the yellow submarine. The Spanish goalkeeper, who had just gone through a difficult moment on a sporting level, became a hero after saving a penalty in added time. His intervention allowed Villarreal win a game after a heart-stopping end to a European night.
The veteran goalkeeper 41 years He was emotional after the game. His save saved Villarreal from a dark night. Terrierwith the Villarreal sunk in his area, he had the tie with a cross shot that went wide and in added time, in the midst of French harassment, Pedraza grabbed Blas inside the area and the referee signaled a new penalty. After five minutes of review, the penalty was taken, but Pepe Reina managed to stop Terrier’s shot in the 92nd minute.
🧤 Pepe of my life!
Reina saves Villarreal in the 90th minute.#LaCasadelFútbol #UEL pic.twitter.com/sCXUymj78k
— Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) October 5, 2023
After the penalty, he couldn’t hold back his tears, knowing that, that night, he had been the one. savior of his team to win three points very important. “Work rewards you. When you have little left, it is fair to live it like this, enjoy it, get excited… and above all, be happy with the love and respect that your colleagues have, who are truly and wholeheartedly happy, which is what most It excites me,” commented Reina.
A complicated season
Pepe Reina He is in his last season as a professional goalkeeper, but he is not having the opportunities he expected. Your partner Filip Jörgensen is performing at a very high level, establishing himself as one of the safest goalkeepers in The leaguebeing transcendental for the team.
The goalkeeper is aware that his role has changed a little compared to last year. Yesterday was the second game he played all season. The starting goalkeeper is Filip Jörgensen, but according to Reina, “it is for the good of the team.” “He is doing really well, he has extraordinary potential. We are going to help in everything we can so that he shows that potential week after week and is a fundamental piece for us,” says the spanish goalkeeper.
The emotion of @PReina25 after being the hero of La Cerámica:
“There is very little left and we have to enjoy it.” #LaCasaDelFútbol #UEL pic.twitter.com/TRxCCFVJJi
— Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) October 5, 2023
Possible return to the national team?
To all this, Pepe Reina He was asked about his possible return to the national team. He assured that he is prepared and joked with the list: “I don’t think the fig will fall.” For him, Kepa, Unai and Stripe They are the chosen ones: “Being at a good level as they are, they are the ones who have been there lately and it is only fair that it be so.