Las Palmas applauded Club Atlético Osasuna onto the pitch at the start for their promotion to the First Division. There was a festive atmosphere at the Estadio El Sadar at the start of a match that was an attractive affair for the many home fans who packed out the old stadium in Pamplona. Pepe Mel today opted for wingers Maikel Mesa and Fidel Chávez, while defender Juan Cala was also back in the starting line-up after the injury he picked up in Albacete.
The game was very evenly balanced until Osasuna scored their first goal (min. 33) by Juan Villar. In the first few minutes the Reds wasted two clear chances. A one on one by Kike was hit wide, followed by a great save by Josep Martínez from a volley by David García. In the first half Las Palmas’ attacking formation hardly troubled the home goal defended by Rubén.
There was bad news for Las Palmas with the injury to Galarreta (min. 24), who was trampled on. His replacement was second team player Christian Cedrés. The home side were looking to cement their position as champions of the second tier of Spanish football. Half time came with a slim 1-0 advantage for the home side.
Las Palmas looked a different side in the second half, as in just five minutes they created three chances; David García, Maikel Mesa and Rubén Castro all went close. It is not easy to play against Osasuna, as they are a side that re-group quickly and defend well. In the 65th minute, Josep hizo made a great block from a shot by Juan Villar. Las Palmas were unable to threaten the home defence, ably captained by Aridane, who played solidly all afternoon. David García almost equalized when he went close with a clever lob (min. 74).
In the final minutes the home side put the game to bed with a second goal, scored by Xisco. The final whistle came with Osasuna striding towards the second division league title, with two goals to no reply.
