Las Palmas come away with a deserved point in Vitoria with a goal by Livaja (1-1)

Deportivo Alavés heeded the bugle call and went after a first goal before UD Las Palmas woke up in Mendizorroza. Following three consecutive corners, home defender Alexis got on the end of a cross from the left to score past Javi Varas. 1-0 in the 4th minute, a burden that the yellows, who were actually playing in a pink strip today, were unable to shake off in the first half. It is true that following the early goal Las Palmas had more of the ball and possession, but never looked like they were going to create anything of note. Jonathan Viera had a couple of chances, and Michel Macedo another, with a shot across goal, as they put some sting into their attack.

With midfielders Roque Mesa (banned) and Prince Boateng (injured) both absent, the team led by Quique Setién took on this game with the clear aim of getting another away victory, something they had not managed since the first fixture of the season. Alavés found an open channel with Edgar down the right. Portuguese player Hélder Lopes left far too many gaps, and this is where the team from Vitoria were able to find a way through to Javi Varas’ goal. In the second half Las Palmas came out in their more recognisable manner. With their characteristic Canary footballing style, they got a goal in the 56th by Livaja following a fine centre from the left wing by Hélder Lopes. The defender played the ball beyond the central defenders and Livaja nipped in the sweep the ball past Pacheco.

Alavés were powerless to hold back the islanders as they began to move the ball around. Goalkeeper Javi Varas was by now just another spectator in the second forty-five minutes. Jonahtan Viera and Tana began to liven up proceedings. With movements up and down the pitch they drove the home team to despair, who had no choice other than to make desperate clearances. Tana cut inside beautifully and looked set to score with his left foot. The ball went inches wide of the post. With Las Palmas now totally in the driving seat against Alavés, a last chance fell to Jonathan Viera who decided to finish off a move he himself had started when he had could have laid the ball off to the right. Las Palmas saw out the last few moments of the game with no real pressure, to pick up another point that puts them just three points off European places.