UD Las Palmas lost away from home for the third consecutive time this Saturday. This time, they gave up the points to Málaga (2-0) in a match that was decided in the second half in favor of the Andalusian team, which sealed the victory with a corner play and a counterattack.
The yellows approached the match with personality from the start, responding to the phenomenal atmosphere cheering on the Andalusian team in the stands by maintaining possession of the ball. The intensity of the game barely translated into action in the penalty area, due to constant initiatives and contacts between players. However, in the 9th minute, after a deep pass from Amatucci, Miyashiro headed the ball before being brought down by the local goalkeeper Herrero, who also managed to clear the ball. The yellows appealed for a penalty, which was not granted by either the on-field referee or the VAR official.
Half an hour in, after a series of duels and challenges, Las Palmas crafted an excellent play with passes around the edge of the box, culminating in a final pass from Kirian to Jesé. The forward controlled the ball well in the area but shot low and wide of the post after getting past Herrero's position. Jesé lamented the miss but immediately found encouragement from his teammate Ale García to keep pushing forward.
Málaga also had a chance as valuable as Jesé's. It happened in the 34th minute. After an unfinished play by the visitors, the Andalusian team launched a counterattack that ended with a dribble and shot by Chupe. The ball went just wide of the post, leaving the yellows with a scare.
The score remained unchanged at halftime, in a match that Las Palmas had dominated up to that point with 58% possession against an intense and very active opponent across all areas of the field.
At the start of the second half, Juanpe and Miyashiro, one from each team, were injured and substituted. Málaga managed to take the lead in the 57th minute with a header from Murillo off a corner kick.
Las Palmas tried to turn the situation around with a triple substitution but immediately conceded a second goal after a turnover and an effective counterattack by midfielder Joaquín Muñoz. His shot went in at mid-height to make it 2-0 with 23 minutes remaining.
After that moment, the island team launched a series of constant attacks, especially down Estanis Pedrola's wing. His plays were deep, and he delivered two balls that were struck by Viera. The first hit the post, and the second went over the crossbar.
The score remained unchanged, and the points stayed in Andalusian territory.