Tough Defeat for UD Las Palmas, Slipping Back Into the Relegation Zone (1-0)
UD Las Palmas returns from Seville with another loss (1-0), a result shaped by Essugo’s red card around the hour mark against Real Betis. The Canarian side fought hard to stay out of the relegation zone but couldn’t take any points from the Benito Villamarín despite their efforts.
The only goal of the match came from Diego Llorente, while Cillessen kept his side in the game by saving a late penalty from Isco. The visitors’ protests were in vain, and the defeat came with an additional cost—both Viti and Essugo will miss next Friday’s crucial clash against Deportivo Alavés at the Estadio de Gran Canaria.
Head coach Diego Martínez adjusted his team’s usual setup, forced by key absences, opting for a defensive back five that included Stefan Bajcetic alongside center-backs Suárez and Juanma Herzog. The tactical shift initially gave Las Palmas defensive solidity, while also allowing them to look for quick counterattacks.
That approach nearly paid off in the 4th minute when Fabio Silva latched onto a long ball and attempted a lob over the keeper, but his effort sailed just over the bar. That would be the only real chance for Las Palmas in the first half, which turned into a physical battle in midfield.
The game remained balanced, with both teams playing cautiously. Betis dominated possession but struggled to create real danger. However, Pellegrini’s side had a golden opportunity just before halftime when Rodríguez broke through, only to be denied by a great save from Cillessen.
At 0-0 going into the break, Las Palmas had more than just the scoreline to worry about—three of their defenders (Viti, Álex Muñoz, and Bajcetic) had already been booked, putting them at risk in the second half.
Las Palmas created their best chance of the game in the 54th minute when Viti broke into the box and fired a shot after a pass from Sandro, but Adrián reacted well to tip the ball away. Four minutes later, Fabio Silva squandered another opportunity, firing over from close range after a dangerous cross from the left.
Then came the turning point. In the 60th minute, Dario Essugo was sent off after receiving his second yellow card, leaving Las Palmas down to 10 men. Just four minutes later, Betis took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Llorente finding the net to break the deadlock.
Las Palmas responded well and pushed for an equalizer, but the best chance in the closing moments fell to Betis, who were awarded a penalty. Isco stepped up, but Cillessen produced a brilliant save to keep his team in it. However, it wasn’t enough, as the final whistle confirmed a disappointing defeat for the Canarian side, who now find themselves back in the relegation zone.
