Las Palmas regain their self-esteem (1-0)

UD Las Palmas won by the minimum margin, but won in the end. They remain unbeaten in the Estadio Gran Canaria and regained self-esteem as they look ahead to the crucial end of season run-in.  Paco Herrera went for a starting line-up with added strength on the wings, with the inclusion of Fidel Chávez and Álvaro Lemos. On this occasion youth product Eric Curbelo and Rafa Mir started on the bench. Las Palmas began brighter than Sporting and created two clear chances to break the deadlock early on. In the first of these, Rubén Castro was unable to get on the end of a cross by Fidel (min. 5). Three minutes later Timor, in a one on one with the away goalkeeper, ballooned his shot high over the bar (min.8).

Sporting de Gijón tried to create danger by playing long balls over the home side’s back line looking for Carmona. Then in a quick break, (min. 13), Alegría, from just a couple of yards out, failed to beat home goalkeeper Raúl Fernández, in the away side’s best chance of the match.

Las Palmas’ football improved as the game wore on. Their goal came following a searing run by Blum and a great through ball to Rubén Castro that created a great opening. The forward saw Galarreta in space, providing the pass that the latter slotted just inside the post to make the score 1-0 (min. 24). Sporting replied just two minutes later with a shot from a tight angle by Aitor which shaved the upright.  

The yellows were quickly regaining possession and both Gaby Peñalba and Galarreta were part of their side’s flowing moves. Rubén Castro came close with another effort, (min. 34) following a fine pass by the midfielder. The ball rebounded off the body of away goalkeeper Mariño. The half time whistle came with a 1-0 scoreline, reflecting the best first half performance by the yellows since the arrival of Paco Herrera.

The second half saw Sporting de Gijón look to keep more possession. Las Palmas also continued to look dangerous in attack. Fidel and Mantovani both missed chances within a minute of each other. Play down the wings by Lemos, Fidel and Blum were providing great opportunities and dangerous play around the away goal area as opposed to previous matches. They just needed to score a second goal to put the game to bed. But it was Raúl Fernández who was forced to make a great save when a long distance effort by Ivi was deflected off a home defender (min. 64).

The game then entered a difficult phase. Las Palmas were unable to see off their rivals, who, without creating any clear cut chances, were unsettling the home fans with their approach play around the box. With the introduction of Momo, Sergio Araujo and Rafa Mir, Paco Herrera looked to freshen up his attack and keep possession. At the end, his side managed to defend their single goal margin and picked up three vital points.