Las Palmas celebrated a deserved 2-0 win at home to FC Getafe and climbed to eighth place. It was the visitors’ first defeat after a run of eight unbeaten games
Getafe were looking to extend their run of eight games without defeat (six draws, two wins) on Gran Canaria. Coach José Bordalas relied on ex-Wolfsburg player Mayoral and ex-United star Greenwood, among others.
At promoted Las Palmas, who have made a decent start to the season and are already ten points clear of the relegation places in eleventh place, coach Garcia Pimienta relied above all on the attacking qualities of Munir and Sandro, who trained at Barça.
Oscar allowed to stay on the pitch after VAR call
At first, both teams played a somewhat tired game, with most of the action taking place in midfield. The home side, however, kept on making pinpricks. Munir was denied by keeper David Soria (8′) and a goal from Sandro after a mistake by the keeper was later rightly disallowed for offside (17′).
The visitors produced far too little in attack, with only Greenwood creating any danger: first he put a shot just wide of the post (15th), then a flick narrowly missed the target (30th). The Azulones were also lucky that a red card for Oscar was rescinded after VAR intervention (9).
Alderete saves – and is sent off
Las Palmas finally took the lead just before the break. Araujo headed in a cross from Kirian to make it 1:0 (43′). Marmol almost increased the lead before the break, but Alderete was just able to get in the way (45.+4).
The defender was also in the spotlight in the first action after the break: He had stepped on Loiodice’s Achilles heel with an open sole – after viewing the video images, referee Mateo Busquets corrected his original yellow card to a red card (48′).
Mayoral has the equalizer on the foot
The sending-off paradoxically breathed new life into the visitors. First, Mayoral, who was offside, failed to beat keeper Valles (53′). A minute later, the ex-Wolfsburg player put the ball past the empty goal after a mistake by the keeper.
It was only a brief rally, after which Las Palmas dominated. David Soria first made brilliant saves against Sandro (55′) and Cardona (61′). Later, the goalkeeper did not look good and Moleiro dusted off the ball to make it 2-0 (87′), but the VAR denied the goal for offside.
Five minutes later, Las Palmas made the difference. The home side counter-attacked and Cristian only had to keep his foot out at the end – 2:0 (90.+2).
Promoted Las Palmas climb
It was also the final score with which Las Palmas ended Getafe’s run and climbed into a secure midfield position.
Both teams continue their Spanish Cup campaign during the week: Las Palmas travel to CD Tudelano on Wednesday (9pm), while Getafe play Atzeneta UE on Tuesday (7pm).