UD Las Palmas are experiencing their worst run this season with defeat this afternoon against Cádiz CF (1-2). The league leaders were not the better side, but made the most of their chances in key moments of the match. Seven games without a win. Football dealt Las Palmas a blow in the first quarter of an hour. The yellows were dominating possession, were threatening Cádiz’s goal and were moving the ball around from midfield into attacking positions, but a quick break down the right by the away side ended with Perea converting a cross into the box (min. 18).
Pepe Mel brought back both Javi Castellano and Benito from suspension for this match, plus Fabio. He insisted with a back three comprising Eric Curbelo, Mauricio Lemos and Aythami Artiles. Narváez also returned to the starting line-up. Las Palmas recovered from this setback within a few minutes, and began to threaten once more in the final minutes of the first half. Mauricio Lemos hit a powerful shot following a rebound and Cifuentes scrambled to punch the ball away. Cádiz sat back in defence and countered quickly on the break through forward Salvi Sánchez. The half time whistle blew with the league leaders with their noses in front.
The second half saw Las Palmas continue to dominate possession and improve in their approach play. Fede Varela came on in place of Fabio and provided the home side with an injection of creativity in the final third, creating several clear goal-scoring opportunities. Twice the Cádiz goalkeeper was called into action to block good efforts by Srnic and Fede Varela. As was to be expected Las Palmas pushed more players forward, leaving gaps at the back which enabled Cádiz to catch them on the break.
They were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute which was converted by Álex to put the away side 0-2 up, but before this home goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés had blocked a point-blank shot with his leg inside the 6 yard box. Rubén Castro reduced the arrears in the 83rd to provide a rousing finale. The Las Palmas striker dived to head home a fine cross by Fede Varela. Las Palmas laid siege on the Cádiz goal and a great header by Eric Curbelo was saved by the away goalkeeper.
Las Palmas continued to press to the end, but were unable to find an equaliser in a game they didn’t deserve to lose.
