UD Las Palmas deserved better in the first half. They were in control for long periods in the first half, even though Athletic Club started strongly, the yellows began putting together their finest passing game by moving the ball patiently around from one side to another. Halilovic and Calleri both had clear scoring chances against visiting goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Spain’s under 21 goalkeeper stood strong however. With Vitolo starting for the home team, having overcome his knee niggles, the Canary team’s play down the wing was much improved. He didn’t last the whole game, however, and was replaced by Remy.
The away subs bench featured Aduriz and Muniain, both key pieces in the Basque team’s puzzle. Ziganda saw fit to rest certain players in this game, as the 'lions' came into this match on the back of a European game in midweek. However, neither of them was able to stamp their authority on the match.
Athletic stayed loyal to their physical style in an attempt to break down the home team’s creative efforts, which came mainly from the boots of Jonathan Viera. The game was a very equal affair and was quite end to end. Neither team was unable to create any real attacking chances. On the half hour mark Halilovic pulled up with an injury and he was replaced by Oussama Tannane. This meant the first tactical change for Manolo Márquez’s team. Half time came with a 0-0 scoreline.
The second half saw fans in the Estadio Gran Canaria gasp as Sabin Merino ran through on Chichizola, who was able to foil the attacker’s threat by diving bravely at his feet. Calleri (m. 57) sent a shot over the bar following a last ditch cross by Michel Macedo. Las Palmas, were gradually making inroads into the Athletic defence, as the away team began to falter. In a superb move started off by Remy, who played the ball through to Oussama, Las Palmas nearly went ahead. The Moroccan international’s stunning left foot shot clipped the outside of the post and went behind. (m. 85).
With time nearly up French forward Remy was bold enough to take on the Athletic back line, and with a low sizzling drive hammered to ball beyond the reach of Arrizabalaga and into the back of the net. This signified a 1-0 victory for UD Las Palmas and their second consecutive league win this season.
