The first summer friendly ends in a draw (0-0)
UD Las Palmas played their first preseason match this Wednesday, with a goalless draw against Orlando Pirates (0-0). The test had two distinct phases, with experimental approaches in both. In the first half, the chances were for Las Palmas, while in the second half, the friendly became more balanced with better offensive performances from the South African team.
García Pimienta organized a mixed starting lineup, composed of players from the previous season, two new signings (Herrera and Sinkgraven), two trial academy players (Juanma Herzog and Iñaki), and the re-signed Óscar Pinchi.
After a few minutes of getting to know each other, the yellow team took control of the ball, showing the characteristic style of the last season. This allowed them to compensate for the greater experience of their opponents, who were playing their third friendly match during the stage also taking place in Marbella.
In the first half, Las Palmas managed to create up to four goal-scoring opportunities but failed to find the elusive 1-0 lead. The first two chances fell to Pinchi and Sandro, both set up by Jonathan Viera. The Galician player's shot was saved by the goalkeeper Chaine, while the Gran Canarian striker's powerful left-footed shot missed the South African goal.
Valles also had a moment of concern, as he saved the only opportunity for Orlando Pirates with his leg. It came from a counter-attack that Maswangani finished just outside the box. But the Andalusian goalkeeper was in the right place to divert the ball.
As the match progressed, the Gran Canarian players gained confidence, and two of their combinations could have resulted in goals as well. Chaine denied a forced shot by Jonathan Viera, and later, just before halftime, Sandro missed his second attempt. He had received a deep pass from Dutchman Sinkgraven, who operated on the left-wing and linked up with Cristian Herrera.
At the start of the second half, García Pimienta completely changed the lineup, introducing players like Álvaro Killane, Álvaro Lemos, Coco, Enrique Clemente, Sergi, Javi Muñoz, Moleiro, Kirian, Pejiño, Benito, and Marc Cardona.
In the early stages of the second period, two goals were disallowed for offside. One for Lepasa and later for Marc Cardona. The execution by the latter was splendid, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper, but the referee didn't validate his position at the start of the play.
The next protagonist of the friendly was the academy goalkeeper Álvaro Killane, who denied two consecutive attempts by Orlando Pirates' forwards, turning both into corner kicks. The score remained unchanged as the match approached its final phase after the second hydration break for the players.
Orlando Pirates had more intent in the second half but failed to beat the secure goalkeeper Killane.
Lineups:
UD Las Palmas: Álvaro Valles, Álex Suárez, Eric Curbelo, Juanma Herzog, Sinkgraven, Loiodice, Pinchi, Iñaki González, Jonathan Viera, Sandro, and Cristian Herrera.
In the second half, Álvaro Killane, Lemos, Coco, Enrique Clemente, Sergi, Javi Muñoz, Moleiro, Kirian, Pejiño, Benito, and Marc Cardona started. Later, Pau Ferrer (replacing Benito) also joined.
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Xoki, Moyane, Mako, Monare, Timm, Maswangani, Saleng, Dlami, and Erasmus.
Bench: Buthezei (gk), Mpontshane (gk), Ofori (gk), Mthethwa, Ratomo, Nga, Marou, Baloni, Shandu, Lepasa, Mosele, Makgopa, Ndlondlo, Otladisa, Hotto, and Motshawari.
Goals: None.
Referee: Abraham Domínguez Cervantes (Andalusian Football Association).
Details: Friendly match played at Banús Football Center, part of the training camp being held by both teams in Marbella.
