Granada CF proved highly tough opponents for Las Palmas this evening in Marbella, more due to the fact they are a first division outfit than for their football. After five minutes Josep Martínez made a great save from a cross shot by Venezuelan international Darwin Machís, the ex-Cádiz player and most threatening striker this evening in Marbella.
Las Palmas kept things tight in defence against a team featuring a number of tall players who made their physical presence felt. Youth team players Fabio and Kirian played out from the back with the intention of connecting up with Toni Robaina in midfield.
The yellows tried to play possession football, although in attack Drolé and Edu Espiau were closely marked. On three occasions the Ivory Coast player got in behind Granada’s defence, but his attempted runs towards goal were blocked by tackles. A minute before half time Antonio Puerta hit the post from a free kick. With more physical effort than pretty football both sides went in at half time goal-less.
The second half came with an early Granada goal. A foul by Álex Suárez on Ramos was transformed by Darwin Machis, sending Josep Martínez the wrong way. With substitutions the game grew in quality. Montoro, Vadillo and Soldado raised the level of Granada. As for Las Palmas, Pedri, Benito and Bojan Rapaic put in positive performances. Srnic and Bojan had two chances to drew their side level, the clearest of these falling to the ex-Red Star Belgrade player. Granada then put the game beyond reach with their second goal, a header by Rodri (min. 80). A great individual effort by Pedri went unrewarded, as it was met by a great save by Granada’s goalkeeper.
On Wednesday next week, UD Las Palmas will play their final friendly in Andalusia against Real Betis in Seville (at 20.30 Canary time). It will be the testimonial by the home side for their ex-player Rubén Castro.
MATCH STATS:
GRANADA CF, (2): Aarón, Eteki, Puertas, Azeez, Víctor Díaz, Neyder, Ramos, Domingos, Darwin Machis, Butzke and Neva. Manager: Diego Martínez. Substitutes: Rui Silva (ps), Bernardo, Álex Martínez, Germán Sánchez, Vadillo, Soldado, Rodrigo, Vico, Aguirre, Quini, Montoro, Herrera and Unai.
UD LAS PALMAS, (0): Josep Martínez, Álvaro Lemos, Mantovani, Álex Suárez, Dani Castellano, Fabio, Kirian, Srnic, Toni Robaina, Drolé and Edu Espiau. Manager: Pepe Mel. Substitutes: Álvaro Valles (ps), Mauricio Lemos, De la Bella, Eric Curbelo, Boris Rapaic, Benito, Deivid, Pedri, Javi Castellano, Galarreta, Aythami Artiles, Jesús Fortes and Del Valle (ps).
GOALS: 1-0, min. 48: Darwin Machis, penalty. 2-0, min. 80: Rodri.
REFEREE: Gutiérrez Pérez, from the Andalusia federation. He sent off Aythami Artiles (min. 88). Yellow card for Drolé and Pedri.
STADIUM: Friendly match played at the 'Marbella Football Centre'. 500 fans.
