Atlético de Madrid dashed Las Palmas’ hopes with all three strikes in the second half. Paco Jémez put out the same line-up that defeated Valencia in the second half. David Simón took the place on the right of Mauricio Lemos who had been loaned out to the Italian league, this being the only enforced change. UD Las Palmas played a great first half against a hesitant Atlético de Madrid side, who looked quite insecure at times. Gameiro was out through a stomach bug, and his place in the starting line-up was taken by Torres.
The islanders played with cool heads, looking to keep the ball and avoid sudden counter attacks by the home side. The first real chance fell to Las Palmas at the feet of Jairo, following a surge down the wing by Hernán Toledo. Atlético hit back with a shot by Gabi that Chichizola was able to save. The game didn’t belong to either side, with the home team lacking confidence as they fell foul of offside time and again.
Griezmann then hit the woodwork with a stylish flick with the inside of his heel. The home team looked to dominate possession, but a well-marshalled backline by Paco Jémez’s men, who were leaving no gaps, enabled Jonathan Viera and Tana to put together some good football going forward. Jairo again had a chance to score, but shot wide. The Wanda Metropolitano was quite eerie at times as the 800-strong Gran Canarian following made their voices heard in the spanking new Atlético stadium. Las Palmas held out until half time because they battled intelligently and with clear heads.
Atlético de Madrid looked a different team in the second half with the introduction of Carrasco. Las Palmas did not hang back and looked to go for the win. This allowed Simeone’s side more space to execute counter attacks. When Jairo lost possession, Griezmann outran Ximo Navarro and nicked the ball over the advancing Chichizola to make the score 1-0 (min. 60). The French international always gets on the scoresheet against Las Palmas. This led to the worst period of the match for the yellows, who could have conceded further goals. Carrasco shot wide, having dribbled past half the away defence, while Griezmann struck the post for a second time.
With Las Palmas pushing forward, the second goal arrived for the Madrid team. In another swift attack Correa and Fernando Torres combined with ‘el Niño' driving the ball into the roof of the net past the despairing clutches of Las Palmas’ Argentine goalkeeper (min. 72). 2-0 and game over. The third duly arrived in the 88th minute, the work of Thomas. The power of Atlético de Madrid brushed aside a plucky Las Palmas who didn’t deserve to go down by such a wide margin.
