UD Las Palmas end the first half of the league season with a heavy defeat in Girona (6-0). Paco Jémez had warned that there would be changes made for this match in search of an improved performance. And he made changes, with a backline of three defenders and two wing backs Hernán Toledo and Jairo. The team also featured the three latest signings, Peñalba, Gálvez and Jairo, who all started the match. Girona came out strongly, with Mojica their standout player down the left side. The Catalan team played a direct game, and began to attack incessantly.
The yellows were settling into their new line-up, and as the minutes passed, the pressure by Girona began to let up. Las Palmas looked more comfortable on the ball, especially in defence, as they quickly closed down any spaces, and came out with the ball with more assurance. In an isolated move, the referee played advantage and Javi Castellano gave away a penalty bringing down Portu. Stuani made no mistake and put his team 1-0 ahead in the 25th minute. It was the start of another game.
Las Palmas were still in with a chance. Jonathan Viera made several meaningful passes that didn’t quite come off. Jémez’ side began to dominate up until halftime, but were unable to force they way back into the match, which was being decided by set pieces.
The second half started with home striker Stuani not coming on the pitch. The game became a dirtier affair, with mistakes creeping in on both sides. Girona made no changes to their playing style, and Las Palmas, who were looking the better team, suddenly let in a second goal in the 57th minutes. Mojica escaped down the wing and his cross was met by Olunga, who had come on in place of Stuani. The game was all but over after a third goal in 63rd minute, by Borja García. Girona then made the most of space on the pitch to make it 4-0 (min. 70), once again the work of Nigerian Olunga. Four minutes later Portu scored his team’s fifth, before Olunga scored his hat trick and Girona’s sixth, in the 79th minute. Game over (6-0).
