UD Las Palmas were playing their 600th game under president Miguel Ángel Ramírez, but were unable to break the deadlock in Elche in a game that had precious few goal-scoring chances. Rubén Castro started the match on the bench. Tana took the place of the suspended Timor. UD Las Palmas were back at their lucky stadium. In the Martínez Valero they achieved for what many believe was the best celebrated promotion for the fans, the one they managed in the 95/96 season under the reins of Pacuco Rosales.
Elche began the match with the upper hand. Their objective was to look out for Sory, their top goalscorer. In the first half both Juan Cala and Deivid had to work hard to stem the efforts of the home team’s striker, whom his team-mates looked for at every turn. Las Palmas tried to play a passing game in a very physical encounter blighted with many fouls. Defending was the name of the game and then play with a cool head and intelligence. El Elche applied a lot of pressure. Las Palmas preferred to play with the ball at their feet to try to string together their attacking moves.
Elche had three consecutive chances on the half hour. In the first of these Raúl Fernández came to the rescue with a great save. Las Palmas were suffering their worst moments against a rabid opponent. In the 40th minute Las Palmas had their best chance through Rafa Mir who was unlucky to hit the post. The first half drew to a close with a draw being the fairest result.
Las Palmas came out in the second half with a more decided and confident attitude. They laid siege to the home goal and caused mistakes to be made by their opponents in defence, as they no longer looked so comfortable on the ball. The game required no errors to be made and Elche didn’t give up the fight. The arrival of Rubén Castro on the one hand, and then Nino for the home side, spiced things up at either end. Either of the sides could have come away with victory tonight.
The last few minutes were hotly contested. Elche had several shots on goal, but didn’t provide a serious threat to Raúl Fernández. With five minutes to go, a long range effort by Araujo was turned aside by home goalkeeper José Juan. The game became a mad affair right at the end with two unbalanced teams who were both out to get that vital goal. Rubén Castro was unable to make a gap in the defence count as he sent the ball wide against the oncoming home goalkeeper. The yellows had to settle for a point at the end, at a tough stadium that gave little away.
