UD Las Palmas closed their chapter in the 2023-24 Copa with Sunday's defeat at Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. Garcia Pimienta's side, significantly altered from their usual league lineup, lost (2-0) in the derby against CD Tenerife, on the night Ivorian Abubacar Bassinga made his official debut for the Yellow professionals.
The match was challenging from the start, reminiscent of their last visit in the Segunda División league to the Santacrucero stadium. In just 3 minutes and 38 seconds, Roberto López netted a goal from a corner, putting Tenerife in the lead.
Prior to that unfortunate moment, Tenerife had already approached Aarón Escandell's goal twice. The opening goal set the tone for the game, one Las Palmas couldn't alter.
The visiting team struggled to control the ball or the game in the following minutes. At the 20-minute mark, Luismi Cruz widened the gap by putting a second ball into Escandell's net.
The struggles continued as Tenerife continued to threaten Las Palmas' territory. However, the score remained 2-0 at halftime, reflecting a lackluster offensive performance from UD Las Palmas, with Pejiño's shot being their only attempt.
Changes in the second half saw improved performance from Las Palmas. They gained possession and began generating the previously absent danger. Additionally, Tenerife lost defender Amo at the 61st minute due to a second yellow card. Yet, that numerical advantage lasted only 13 minutes as Araujo also received a red card.
The following 45 minutes witnessed more action around Tenerife's goal area. Benito, Kaba, and Kirian attempted to score, but the much-needed goal to close the gap and add excitement to the end of the match never came.
Line-ups:
CD Tenerife: Tomeu Nadal, Mellot, Amo, Loic Williams, Nacho, Aitor Sanz (Sipcic, 86), Bodiger (Buñuel, 86), Roberto López (Alex Corredera, 77), Teto, Luismi Cruz (Sergio González, 66), and Angel Rodríguez (Enric Gallego, 86).
Las Palmas: Escandell, Julián Araujo, Alex Suárez, Juanma Herzog, Sergi Cardona, Mfulu (Kirian, 66), Loiodice (Marc Cardona, 71), Abubacar Bassinga (Benito, 46), Pejiño (Perrone, 92), Cristian Herrera, and Sory Kaba (Moleiro, 66).
Goals: 1-0, 3rd min. José Amo. 2-0, 21st min. Luismi Cruz.
Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea (Basque Association). Yellow cards to Williams, Aitor Sanz, Nacho (Tenerife), and Abubacar (Las Palmas). Red card to Amo (Tenerife), for a double booking in the 61st minute, and Julián Araujo (Las Palmas), in the 74th minute.
Match held at Estadio Heliodoro, with 21,427 spectators. Ivorian youth player Abubacar Bassinga made his official debut for UD Las Palmas in this match.