Cristian Herrera: A Big Game player

Cristian Herrera has proven himself a decisive figure in the playoffs so far. He weighed in with an away goal in the first leg of Girona's semi-final against Cordoba CF, taking the edge off a 2-1 reverse with a strike which would prove important psychologically in the return at Montilivi.

Then, with his team having fought back from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the second leg, forcing Extra Time, he struck again. The 25-year-old's pace was a constant threat to Cordoba and they were left exposed when reduced to ten men early in the first period of Extra Time. Released on a quick counter-attack, Herrera was put one-on-one with Cordoba keeper Razak and he scored with the most composed of lobs to start the celebrations.

Cristian Herrera's cool finish in Extra Time carried @GironaFC into the #PlayOffLaLiga final. https://t.co/EdHbrPwlPD

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) June 12, 2016

That goal proved to be the decider, earning Girona a 3-1 win on Sunday, to put them into the playoff final 4-3 on aggregate. Girona fans see the Canary Islander as something of a talisman, with his experience of having played in the top flight with Elche CF vital for these big pressure games. Now comes the big one, though. The playoff final against At.Osasuna over two legs, on Wednesday and Saturday. The last hurdle before a possible promotion to the Liga BBVA.