Las Palmas closes 2024 with the joy of a valuable home win (1-0)
UD Las Palmas wrapped up 2024 with another victory, this time against Espanyol (1-0) at the Estadio de Gran Canaria. The Yellows secured a hard-fought win, crucial in their battle for survival, thanks to a stunning free-kick goal from Sandro Ramírez.
With this triumph, the Gran Canaria squad moves 7 points clear of the relegation zone, tallying 22 points as they look ahead to closing the first half of the season against Getafe.
Diego Martínez once again opted to start Javi Muñoz at right-back, with Marvin Park playing ahead of him on the same flank. The coach welcomed back Alex Suárez and Fabio Silva, both free from suspension, fielding a lineup with a sense of continuity.
As expected, Espanyol made things difficult, disrupting Las Palmas' attempts to link up play and threaten Joan García’s goal. The match was a slow burner, demanding patience to find attacking opportunities. The first real chance came 20 minutes in when Marvin Park’s header, following a Campaña cross, narrowly missed.
The game remained tight, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. Essugo had a promising shot in the 28th minute, but it flew over the bar. Espanyol’s Puado later forced Cillessen into action, but the Dutch keeper handled the effort comfortably.
At halftime, Martínez made two changes, bringing on Manu Fuster and Adnan Januzaj for Essugo and Marvin Park, seeking fresh ideas.
Cillessen was called upon again in the 52nd minute, making a sharp save from Antonio Roca to keep the game level. But the breakthrough came in the 66th minute after Januzaj was fouled by Leandro Cabrera. Sandro stepped up to take the free kick, delivering a pinpoint strike that curled over the wall and into the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
The 1-0 lead gave Las Palmas a confidence boost, and they came close to extending their advantage. Fabio Silva’s shot was heroically blocked by El Hilali, and moments later, Kirian Rodríguez’s effort skimmed just wide of the post.
In the closing stages, Las Palmas expertly managed their slender lead, protecting Sandro’s decisive goal. They even had a couple more chances to score, but the result stood firm. The three points stayed in Gran Canaria, allowing the team to head into Christmas with the joy of a steadily improving campaign.
