Las Palmas and their fans overcome Valencia (2-1)
UD Las Palmas start the second half of the season with a great win over Valencia (2-1). Goals by Jonathan Viera and Calleri, with a penalty were enough to turn the match around after an early away goal by Santi Mina. Visiting players Paulista and Rubén Ve
Football is more than ever a state of mind. Las Palmas started the match by falling behind, but then managed to get the three points that can make them dream of avoiding the drop. Valencia played a much changed team, and in the first few minutes created two clear cut chances. The fans had hardly taken their seats. The third chance became the first goal, a glancing header by Santi Mina. Just 5 minutes were on the clock and Las Palmas had already fallen behind. The team, however, held their nerve and played great possession football, a key aspect to the match.
Every time Valencia came close to the home goal defended by Chichizola they looked like they could score. In another fast-moving attack (min. 16), Santi Mina lifted the ball onto the post with the helping hand of Las Palmas’ Argentinian goalkeeper. Despite this near setback, Las Palmas looked a different team. With their best attack of the whole season, the yellows drew level, with Jonathan Viera rifling home (min. 19).
Las Palmas needed to get back much needed confidence in order to defeat the third-placed team in La Liga.The game was being played at a frenetic pace. Valencia threw everything forward, but Las Palmas began to take control and started to look threatening against away goalkeeper Neto. However, just before half time, Dani Castellano managed to clear the ball off the goal line when it looked as if Rodrigo’s shot was going to creep in.
In the second half, Las Palmas reshuffled their pack. David Simón took over on the right wing, and Ximo Navarro slotted in in central defence, in place of Mauricio Lemos.
Las Palmas were a completely different footballing side. The team were putting slick moves together tonight like they hadn’t done for a long time, and in one such move they were able to take advantage of a handball in the area by Paulista, who was sent off for a double yellow card for dissent. Calleri kept his cool and hit the ball to Neto’s left (2-1).
Jémez’ side, with two extra men on the park, then had lots of chances to put the score well beyond the reach of Valencia. Las Palmas were superior in every aspect of the match; in terms of football, fighting spirit, effort, and ambition. The final whistle blew with three important points that signalled the start of a sterling fightback and to first division safety.
