Paco Herrera went for a new look starting line-up as he went in search of his first victory since taking over the manager's role of the team. Sergio Araujo and Danny Blum were both missing in a match that felt like a cup final. The debut for youth player Eric Curbelo as right back, and Gaby Peñalba in the anchoring role, were the main changes made. The central back pairing of Mantovani and Juan Cala showed much more solvency. The team looked much more solid in defence as Las Palmas' confidence grew.
Rayo Majadahonda hustled and bustled in the early exchanges and began to dominate proceedings without keeping much possession, but Las Palmas were unruffled and began to stamp their authority on the match, and deserved more from their first half efforts. The away side looked to give nothing away, and to close down their opponents. The home side didn't even manage a shot on target in the first half. In the 20th minute Las Palmas had a chance with a low shot by Timor that went wide.
As UD Las Palmas grew in confidence they were forcing errors in the home side's attempts to get the ball forward. Eric Curbelo made a quick break down the wing, followed by a great cross by Lemos, and Rafa Mir got on the end of it but volleyed narrowly wide of the right hand post of home goalkeeper Ander.
The second half saw both sides take on a more direct approach. Las Palmas pressured further up the pitch and concentrated hard on not making any mistakes. Rayo were dropping deeper and lost any possession they had with wayward passing. UD Las Palmas seemed to scent victory. In the 70th minute, a powerful left footed drive by Timor was met by a great diving save by the home goalkeeper who clawed the ball out of the top corner. There was a flurry of activity in the final few minutes, but the game remained goalless.
