Huge triumph for UD Las Palmas, their first of the season away from home. The Gran Canarian team took all three points at Estadio de La Cerámica in a match that was decided by goals from Saúl Coco (from a direct free-kick) and Marc Cardona (from a penalty). The final score of 1-2 provides a significant morale boost to stay in the fight for survival in the top tier of Spanish football.
The players chosen by García Pimienta felt comfortable from the start at the Estadio de La Cerámica (16,249 spectators). Las Palmas approached the match with ambition and personality against an opponent accustomed to playing in continental competitions, having recently defeated the French team Rennes.
The visitors' performance was expansive, and the theme of controlling the ball was debated throughout the morning with the team led by José Rojo Pacheta.
Danger loomed around the home team's goal from the early minutes. Muñoz sent the first message for the islanders, challenging the ball with goalkeeper Jorgensen. The Danish goalkeeper had trouble snatching the ball from the midfielder.
The best chance of the first half, before the 0-1, came from Enzo Loiodice. The Frenchman fired from outside the box, on the spot, but the ball narrowly missed the post.
Las Palmas also offered a lot of security in their defensive play, with solid teamwork and some interventions by Valles. Just when it seemed that the first half would end in a draw, Saúl Coco scored a fantastic free-kick goal. The Equatorial Guinean international placed a powerful shot far from the Villarreal goalkeeper's reach.
With the score at 0-1, Las Palmas continued to impress on the field. They reaped a second reward for their efforts after the VAR and the referee observed the contact with the ball by Mandi's arm in the home team's penalty area. Marc Cardona converted the penalty, scoring for the second consecutive match.
They had to fight on because there was still a lot of the game left. Villarreal reduced the deficit with an extraordinary shot by Gerard Moreno, which Valles couldn't keep out with his stretch.
García Pimienta's team emptied their tanks to defend the lead in a demanding match, the second half of which lasted for an additional 12 minutes. Jonathan Viera, on several occasions, had opportunities to score. His three shots were dangerous, including one that hit the post in the 102nd minute of play. Until the very last moment, the visiting players delivered dangerous messages in their quest for a well-deserved three golden points.