Second half blitz of Millwall holds the key for Leeds United when Wigan Athletic visit says Pablo Hernandez

Leeds United's second half performance against Millwall was the blueprint they should follow to build momentum with a win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, says Pablo Hernandez.
Pablo Hernandez scoring for Leeds United against Millwall on Tuesday (Pic: Bruce Rollinson)Pablo Hernandez scoring for Leeds United against Millwall on Tuesday (Pic: Bruce Rollinson)
Pablo Hernandez scoring for Leeds United against Millwall on Tuesday (Pic: Bruce Rollinson)

The Spaniard hit the back of the net to make it 2-2 in an utterly dominant second half from the Whites at Elland Road on Tuesday, before Patrick Bamford got his second and Leeds' winner.

Hernandez said belief was key to Leeds' comeback, but getting a goal as early as the third minute of the second helped too.

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"At half-time we were losing 2-0 but we believe, if we play our football, if we play like always with our identity and style we would have chances to score goals," he said in an interview with LUTV.

"Obviously if you score one in the first few minutes of the half this helps for recovering confidence and to continue fighting. It is a great day, this team showed if we play 100 per cent we can win every game."

Hernandez looked in a determined mood even before the interval, but it was during the second half that the game opened up, particularly once Leeds hit the net for the second time.

And they took full advantage of the spaces that opened up, cutting Millwall open, attacking down both flanks and getting balls into the area, creating chances and eventually earning three points to go back top of the Championship.

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"I think in the second half I had more contact with the ball," said Hernandez.

"In the first half it was more difficult, they were compact in defence and we didn't have many spaces. It is not easy when you have an opponent with 11 players in their half. This team is ready to face different styles and we showed a good character."

That character and everything else Leeds showed in the second half of their midweek game is what they need to replicate when the Latics comes to Elland Road on Saturday.

A victory would make it back-to-back wins for the first time since 10th December.

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"We know it's another important game for us, again at home with our fans," said Hernandez.

"It's very important for us.

"We need to rest, prepare well for the next game. For us, the second half for us is a good mirror to see what we need to do in the next game if we want to win."