UD Las Palmas let two points slip away with only four minutes remaining (2-2)

UD Las Palmas lost the top spot in the standings this Saturday, drawing 2-2 at home against Málaga CF. The Gran Canarian players were ahead twice in the scoreline, but four minutes before the end, the Andalusians equalized for the final points split.

It was an up and down night. In only 4 minutes, UD Las Palmas took the lead thanks to a penalty converted by captain Jonathan Viera. The yellow team had started quickly and determinedly, forcing two corners in less than a minute and a half of play. Following VAR's intervention, which saw a defensive handball in the Naciente area, the referee awarded a penalty in the second corner.

The 1-0 lead had little effect on the players performance. Malaga goalkeeper Yáñez saved a shot from Pejiño, who had just finished another team play by the Gran Canarian forwards, in the ninth minute.

The following move on the scoreboard, however, was the equalizer. Again, VAR alerted the referee to a defensive foul, this time in the home area and involving Valles and Juande. Fran Sol converted the penalty to tie the game at 1-1 and bring the Andalusian goalie from La Rinconada's perfect streak to an end.

Things began again, but the yellow team's early enthusiasm faded throughout the course of the first half. These combinations did not result in shoots or hazardous situations for a competitor who had a second excellent chance before halftime, this time with a high shot from Fran Sol.

The first choice made by García Pimienta was a midfield substitution: Mfulu was replaced by Fabio, who had received a yellow card. The yellow team attempted to find the game's baton as well as a second goal. After the break, Andone was the first to try with a low shot that Yáñez controlled. Eventually, Pejiño finished a play started by Jonathan Viera by shooting over the crossbar.

In the 69th minute, Fran Pejiño struck again with a right-footed effort that Yáñez saved. The Barbate-born player had been persistent all night until, in the 74th minute, he gained space outside the area and blasted an unstoppable missile to put a lovely 2-1 on the board. The goal was enthusiastically celebrated by the 19,162 spectators because it meant retaining the top spot for one more matchday.

The game remained alive until the end. The 2-2 was a blow because it came a few minutes before the conclusion. Las Palmas went back in search of a third goal, which captain Jonathan Viera could have scored in the 92nd minute. But the goalkeeper Yáñez saved his shot, in a night with a notable performance for his team.