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Real Mallorca coach Aguirre thrilled reaching Copa del Rey final: Fans and players deserve it

Real Mallorca coach Javier Aguirre was thrilled reaching Copa del Rey final.

Mallorca beat Real Sociedad on penalties in last night's semifinal second-leg.

Aguirre later said: "They subdue us and take the ball away from us. We were fortunate to take the lead. We were better in defence than other times. The coin has fallen heads."

"We didn't rehearse penalties. We wrote them down in our daily routine and for some reason it rained, there was wind, the other guy already left... for whatever reason we didn't take penalties. That scenario wasn't contemplated. When you ask questions and everyone wants to shoot, you know things are going well.

"I chose Darder as the fifth pitcher. He sacrificed things to return home and fate put him there and he deserves it. He has shown a lot of humility and professional commitment. And Dominik Greif too. When I arrived he was hurt. The boy did his best. These two have suffered a lot. They deserve it.

"We were not favourites, there are eight, ten teams that can arrive before you. The lack of pressure has helped us in the competition. We came to see what would happen. There was a lot to win and little to lose."

On reaching the final, Aguirre added: "It's a source of pride. People have accepted us well and it's a way of returning their affection. People on the street wish me luck and encouragement. People go home happy. It will be a good night."

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Carlos Volcano
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Carlos Volcano

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