UD Las Palmas’ winless run continues. Tonight they drew once again and now total ten games without a victory. They deserved to beat Málaga, as they created enough chances, especially in the second half. There was no victory present for Pepe Mel who was celebrating his 57th birthday. Fede Varela didn’t make it in time. His muscle pain kept him out of this important clash against Málaga CF. Pedri, who was expected to start on the bench, started the game in the link-up role. Las Palmas and Málaga came into this match tied on 37 points and looking to make up ground on the playoff positions. The away side made their intentions clear from the start and nearly went ahead in the sixth minute through Juampi. A header by Javi Castellano from a corner was Las Palmas’ first serious attempt on goal defended by Munir (min. 20). Both sides played too many long balls. As the end of the first half approached, Juanjo Narváez and Rubén Castro came close to scoring. The Columbian’s shot was turned away for a corner by Munir. Straight after that, a mis-cued effort by Castro flew wide. The first half came to an end with no goals, and both sides on equal terms. Things took a turn for the better for Las Palmas early in the second half with a firm header by Eric Curbelo that found the back of the net from a corner (min. 48). The yellows stepped up a gear and just four minutes later Munir made a double save from Rubén Castro. Aridai limped off to be replaced by Srnic. Málaga were struggling to create any clear chances and were beginning to lose their way. Pedri set himself up on the edge of the box but his left-foot effort was saved by Munir. Las Palmas were on the ascendancy, and looked to extend their lead. Another piece of link-up play between Pedri and Rubén Castro was once again well saved by Munir. Then just a few minutes later (min. 65) Lombán headed home the away side’s equaliser. Las Palmas and Málaga were now going all out in search of a winning goal. Pedri was substituted, looking tired after his game earlier in the week with the Spanish Under 19 side. Tana and Kirian brought some pause and verticality to the home side. Málaga tried to catch Las Palmas out on the counter, as the home side began to push forward. The game was finely balanced and could have gone either way, but the final whistle blew with points shared.
