Las Palmas Advances in the Copa del Rey with Two Goals from McBurnie (1-2)
UD Las Palmas will once again be part of the Copa del Rey draw for the 2024-25 season. The yellow team overcame the challenge posed by the historic Barcelona-based club CE Europa, one of the ten founding members of La Liga.
Oli McBurnie was the star of the night at Nou Sardenya. His goals, determination, and fighting spirit were key to the victory. The 1-2 win bore his signature, in a match where CE Europa’s goalkeeper Juan Flere also shone by denying numerous chances from the visiting team.
The victory in this round was hard-fought. Las Palmas had to adapt to the peculiar conditions of a small, synthetic-surfaced pitch and face a combative opponent that remained resilient throughout the match.
Las Palmas dominated the first-half opportunities. Manu Fuster, Iván Gil, Loiodice, Marvin Park, and McBurnie all tested Flere repeatedly. Flere’s sharp reflexes kept the scores level, even benefiting from some luck, particularly when a McBurnie header from a corner narrowly missed the target.
However, early in the second half, the visitors took the lead. The opening goal (0-1) came from a diving header by McBurnie, perfectly connecting with a precise cross from Iván Gil.
CE Europa quickly equalized with a play down the left flank that was finished by Mahícas. This brought a sense of uncertainty, but McBurnie restored Las Palmas’ lead with a brilliant solo effort. He weaved past two defenders and slotted a low shot with his left foot to make it 1-2.
In the closing stages, Las Palmas created several chances to seal the game, but Flere continued to deny them. Despite this, the outcome of the tie was secured for the Canarian team.
Lineups:
● CE Europa: Juan Flere, Urbina (Lozano, 89’), Campeny, Alex Cano (Gilbert, 40’), John Neeskens, Sgró, Albert Martí (Adnane, 46’), Escoruela, Jordi Cano (Sicu Camara, 89’), Meshak, Mahícas (Pimentel, 73’).
● UD Las Palmas: Horkas, Marvin Park (Viti, 62’), Juanma Herzog, Mika Mármol, Benito (McKenna, 83’), Loiodice, Fabio (Javi Muñoz, 83’), Iván Gil (Januzaj, 62’), Manu Fuster, Marc Cardona (Jaime Mata, 62’), McBurnie.
Goals:
● 0-1, min. 47: McBurnie
● 1-1, min. 54: Mahícas
● 1-2, min. 74: McBurnie
Referee: Mario Melero López (Andalusian Committee). Yellow cards: Flere, Escoruela (CE Europa); Fabio, Mármol, and Campaña (Las Palmas).