UD Las Palmas made a number of important changes to their starting line-up, including the return of Prince Boateng, who played an attacking role, and a start for Argentinian Mateo García, along with the presence of 'Charrúa' Mauricio Lemos at centre back. The home team were looking to pull away from the lower reaches of the league table, against a Sporting who were looking for a good result to get some breathing space themselves.
In the 7th minute, Prince had a cross shot that put the Sporting goal under pressure, forcing goalkeeper Cuéllar to stretch and make a fine save. It was a clear statement of Las Palmas’ intentions, who just two minutes later forced a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area following a good piece of play by Mateo. Jonathan Viera again forced Cuéllar into a great save, as the home team fired a second warning. They deserved to go ahead. Soon afterwards Mateo was about a score too, as Quique Setién’s team showed they were off to a flyer in this match.
A dangerous cross by Jonathan Viera was nearly converted by Nabil, at the midway point through the first half, with possession and chances all going to UD Las Palmas who were unable to make any of them count. Viera tried a magical flick with his heel which no-one was able to get on the end of, at the 30 minute mark. The pace of the game began to slow at this point.
Jonathan Viera had another long distance effort which Pichu Cuéllar saved following a trademark dribble. Viera was a constant threat throughout the first half. Following a move started by Lemos and a cross by Mateo, the Uruguayan himself headed towards goal, and then a superb ball through by Viera to Nabil was thwarted once again by the visiting goalkeeper, rounding off a scintillating first half.
Las Palmas resumed the second half once again camped in the visitors’ half. Jonathan Viera smashed a shot against the angle of post and crossbar in the 51st minute, yet another chance going begging, before finally UD Las Palmas managed to score following a move started by Prince, as he crossed the ball into the heart of the area, the ball rebounded of defender and goalkeeper and Nabil El Zhar was the first to pounce and but the ball into the net (1-0).
The game then entered an uncertain phase, as Sporting became much bolder, and came out in search of an equalizer, while Las Palmas looked to put the game to bed on the break. Momo added fresh legs to his team, replacing Mateo García in the 70th minute.
Carmona had the best chance for Sporting hitting Javi Varas’ post. Tana came on the strengthen the midfield in the final moments of the game, in which the away team laid siege on the home goal and threatened to get an equalizer. Prince almost scored his team’s second goal in the 80th minute, as the game seemed to lose all its shape up until the final whistle. The end of the game signalled three valuable points for the home team to enable them to move away from the danger area.
