Las Palmas go down by the odd goal against Bielsa’s Leeds United (1-0)

Las Palmas and Leeds United have got two completely different playing styles which are still to be fine-tuned. The yellows play a passing game using short spaces, they defend with the ball while looking to make the most of their attack threesome, made up of the returning Araujo, together with new signings Rubén Castro and Rafa Mir. Right now Manolo Jiménez’s side are in a building process, and they need time to fully slot in together, although things do look good.

The English team meanwhile are firm favourites to get back up to the Premier League next season, and their play reflects certain concepts that are part of their trainer’s winning mentality: Argentine Marcelo Bielsa. Leeds United are also at the test stage. They love going in for the fifty fifty challenges, second phase play, but Bielsa is keen to change their style, to play the ball around a little more as opposed to just lumping it upfield..

Las Palmas ran for every ball during an important phase of the match, and tried to gain the upper hand. Leeds subjected Las Palmas to some long ball pressure and forced them to stay tight on their markers. Jiménez’s side defended in an orderly fashion. Elland Road can be an intimidating stadium and oozes good, old-fashioned English football. Leeds use the old football manual based on fighting spirit, which is enough to get their fans off their feet.

Apart from the first few minutes, the first half was dominated by the individual quality of Las Palmas, with Araujo and Fidel looking the sharpest. They were able to handle the pressure Leeds were exerting as they attempted to impress the home fans in their first outing. This friendly in England revealed that Fidel is a good taker of free kicks, as he duly struck the woodwork on two occasions (in the 34th and 42nd minutes).

In the second half, Leeds United superior fitness overcame Las Palmas, who had to settle for less possession. The surface was a little soft and heavy going due to the rain, made it hard for Las Palmas to move forward fluently with the ball. The only goal of the game came in the 85th minute. Following a corner, Leeds goal-scorer Kemar Roofe beat Raúl Fernández with a carefully placed shot as he found himself on his own in the six-yard box following a clever dribble. Edu Espiau nearly equalized for the away side in the last action of the match.

MATCH STATS:

(1) LEEDS UNITED: Ayling, Cooper, Roofe, Vieira, Alioski, Samuel Sainz, Dallas, Pablo Hernández, Philips, and Berardi. Substitutes: Blackman, Robert, Huffer, Pearce, Baker, Klich, Schackleton and Clarke. Trainer: Marcelo Bielsa.

(0) UD LAS PALMAS: Raúl Fernández, Lemos, David García, Cala, Dani Castellano, Javi Castellano, Fabio, Rafa Mir, Fidel, Rubén Castro and Araujo. Substitutes: Josep, Momo, Benito, Edu, Eric and Parras. Trainer: Manolo Jiménez.

GOALS: 1-0, 85th minute: Kemar Roofe.

REFEREE: Andy Madley. (England). Assisted by linesmen Phil Dermontt & Jamie Rhodes. He showed a yellow card to Samuel Sainz.

INCIDENTS: Second pre-season friendly in England held at Elland Road, Leeds. 12,000 attendance.