Celta Vigo vs Deportivo La Coruna preview - Hernandez ready for derby clash

Posted Monday, September 22, 2014 by PA

Celta Vigo's Pablo Hernandez is well aware of the importance of Tuesday's Galician derby with Deportivo, despite never playing in one.

Hernandez, a summer signing from Chilean side O'Higgins, netted in the weekend draw with Atletico Madrid in what was his first start for Eduardo Berizzo's side following two appearances from the bench.

"The derby is a different game. No matter how you play, what matters is winning," he told reporters.

"A derby win gives much joy to the people here and that greatly satisfies the players.

"(There is) no need to explain to us what this game means. Footballers know that the derby matches are must-win.

"I have played derbies in Argentina, Chile and I know that what matters is to win."

Hernandez is bullish about his side's chances against a Deportivo team who were crushed 8-2 by Real Madrid at the weekend.

"We know that they have let in many goals, but we cannot allow ourselves to relax," he said. "In a derby everything is different.

"We have to focus and play our game for 90 minutes. If they are hurting we have to try to crush them," added Hernandez.

The midfielder received plenty of praise for his innovative backheeled strike against Atletico and said: "It is certainly one of the most beautiful goals of my career."

Deportivo have lost just once in the last 11 years at Celta and Coruna-born midfielder Alex Bergantinos is confident they will continue their good run.

"Being a favourite does not guarantee you points," he told reporters.

"In the last four games I've played, they have always gone in as favourites and we have done well and we hope to continue the streak.

"Celta are a good team that are confident, but we are able to win there."