Pablo Hernandez explains crazy celebration, pays tribute to Leeds legend
Leeds United star Pablo Hernandez gave his thoughts after he scored a late winner against his former club Swansea City.
Hernandez struck late on to move Leeds to within touching distance of promotion with a 1-0 win at the Liberty Stadium.
In the 89th minute, Hernandez struck his eighth goal of the season, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner of Freddie Woodman’s goal to settle a tense game.
The gap to third placed Brentford is six points, with three games remaining. This leaves the Whites needing just four points to be mathematically guaranteed promotion to the top flight.
“It is a massive three points,” said Hernandez.
“We came here to play against a difficult opponent, Swansea have good players and always playing against them is tough.
“I thought the team worked well and fought in every minute of the game and we deserved the three points.
“Scoring in the last minute to win the game was an unbelievable feeling for everybody.”
Hernandez scored the equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the Liberty last season, and didn’t celebrate out of respect for the club that he made over 50 appearances for. However, the significance of Sunday’s goal meant there was no holding back this time.
“I celebrated the goal a lot because I know the goal means a lot to everybody and it was in the 89th minute, in a special stadium for me.” Hernandez added.
“It is an important three points for our target in the league.
“We know if we win the three games left we will be champions and this will be the reality, we just need to be focused on our own games.”
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Hernandez tribute to Jack Charlton
Next up for Leeds is relegation-threatened Barnsley at Elland Road on Thursday. Leeds again play after their rivals this week, should Brentford drop points on Wednesday when they play Preston – then a win for Leeds on Thursday would see them seal promotion.
Hernandez also touched on the awful news the club received on Saturday, regarding the passing of club legend, record appearance holder and World Cup winner, Jack Charlton. He dedicated the win to the man known as ‘Big Jack’.
“Everyone at Leeds United and all of the fans remember him.
“He is part of the history of this club and these three points are for everybody, for the fans and especially him and his memory.
“I am sure he will help us in the next games from the sky and this win is for him.”