Las Palmas draws in their second summer friendly (0-0)
The latest preseason test ended without goals. The yellow team tied with Al Sadd of Qatar in a match characterized by physical exertion and missed opportunities on both sides.
The first half at Marbella Football Center showcased two different strategies. Las Palmas aimed to control possession, while their opponents were content to sit back and launch quick counterattacks toward Croatian goalkeeper Dinko Horkas.
It was a half marked by hard work and few chances. The best opportunity for the Gran Canaria team came from a header by Jaime Mata in the 15th minute. Sinkgraven sent in a cross that Mata connected with, but the ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into Saad's area.
Despite controlling possession, Las Palmas couldn't translate it into real danger against a well-organized and defensively solid opponent. Al Sadd also came close to scoring just before halftime following a play by Rafa Mujica. The Gran Canaria native lofted the ball into the box where Gonzalo Plata took a shot, but it rebounded off Horkas's post and away from the goal line.
The second half was marked by numerous substitutions and a more open style of play, leading to clear scoring opportunities for both sides. Rafa Mujica had the best chance for his team with a powerful left-footed shot that Horkas managed to tip away for a corner. Both players deserved applause from their teammates.
In the Qatari goal, there was more work for their defenders, with chances from Marvin Park (two shots from the right), Juanma Herzog (three headers), and Marc Cardona (a low shot saved by the goalkeeper). However, the goal remained elusive in Marbella, and the match ended in a goalless draw after 92 minutes of intense play from both teams.
Lineups:
Las Palmas: Dinko Horkas, Viti Rozada, Alex Suárez, Mika Mármol, Sinkgraven, Kirian, Iván Gil, Campaña, Sandro Ramírez, Javi Muñoz, and Jaime Mata
Substitutes at halftime: Marvin Park, Juanma, Enrique Clemente, Benito, Manu Fuster, Fabio, Abou Bassinga, Marc Cardona, Pejiño, and Cédric
Ale García replaced Cédric in the 69th minute
Al Sadd: Saad, Pedro, Tareq, Paulo Octavio, Ali Asad, Yazidi, Mustafá, Guilherme, Gonzalo Plata, Hasim, and Rafa Mujica
Substitutes: Youseuf (GK), Karim (GK), Ahmed Sayyar, Khoukhi, Waad, Yusuf, Geovani, Saiss, Bakri, Ahmed Sayyar, Musab, and Akram
Goals: None.
Referee: Manuel Jesús Orellana Cid (Andalusian Association).
