Las Palmas grind out a draw in the tribute to Galdós (0-0)
UD Las Palmas played out a nil-nil stalemate in Fuenlabrada in the tribute to Benito Pérez Galdós. The yellows missed several clear-cut chances to have won, especially for Sergio Araujo in the second half. Fede Varela made his debut while Juanjo Narváez
The second half of the season kicked off coinciding with the first match of 2020 in the tribute to Benito Pérez Galdós. It was a useful point for Las Palmas at the Estadio Fernando Torres. UD Las Palmas are now without Jonathan Viera but had Maikel Mesa back in their starting line-up in their visit to Fuenlabrada, this year’s surprise package in the league. There were just two points between them in the table, and the game reflected this in the early stages with both sides very wary.
The home side dominated proceedings with their long-ball style. The yellows, on the other hand, tried to string passes together and were able to get forward with more fluency. The first attempt on goal was by Benito (min. 18). Biel Ribas managed to keep out his shot. Las Palmas enjoyed the greater chances in the first half with individual efforts by Pedri and Juanjo Narváez which were turned behind for corners. The home side only managed a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes, as they seemed content to sit back.
In the second half, Las Palmas had another great chance in the first few minutes with a snapshot by Alberto De la Bella which Biel Ribas turned behind for a corner. Fuenlabrada then got on the front foot, but Las Palmas were still keeping better possession. Pepe Mel re-shuffled his pack and brought on Sergio Araujo for Maikel Mesa. Pedri pushed forward in an attempt to get in behind the home side’s back line, which was showing no cracks.
In the 66th minute Las Palmas had their clearest chance with a cross shot by Sergio Araujo, following a great assist by Benito Ramírez, which shaved the post. Las Palmas were the better side, but were unable to find the killer touch. Fuenlabrada often lost possession as they tried to play the ball out from the back, and were limited to hopeful long balls for their forwards to chase. A heavy challenge by Chico Flores on Narváez in the 75th minute left Fuenlabrada with only ten men. Las Palmas’ Columbian striker was also forced off the field due to the foul. He was replaced by Fede Varela, who was making his debut for the yellows. UD Las Palmas continued to stay on top with the extra man, but no goal came (0-0).
