UD Las Palmas nearly won the game in the last few minutes as they had three clear-cut chances, through Kirian from midfield. Luck once again turned its back on Las Palmas, who deserved more than a draw. They came into the game against AD Alcorcón with a new-look side. They had eight players out, including star performer Jonathan Viera. The game started brightly for the yellows after just five minutes. Thomas Pekhart scored from the penalty spot, having been fouled in the area, taking his tally to five this season. Mel’s side grafted hard, as brawn was required in the absence of creative football, with both Jonathan Viera and Pedri unavailable for selection.
The Madrid-based side, who are unbeaten away from home, looked shaky after conceding the early goal, and didn’t expect such an uncompromising side in defence, with the solid defensive partnership of Deivid and Aythami Artiles, ably accompanied by right back Eric Curbelo. De la Bella completed the defensive line-up on the left. He provided a number of good crosses during the first half that nobody was able to get on the end of.
The key to the match was simple: avoid making mistakes at the back and try to attack the other end when possible. The creative midfield role this evening was taken by Galarreta, and he looked to supply through balls to Pekhart and Narváez. The Columbian played on the left hand side and gradually grew into the game. Suddenly, against the run of play, Alcorcón got their equaliser in time added on at the end of the first half. Dieguez was first to react to a rebound off the post to put his side level.
The second half saw Las Palmas make a change in goal. Josep Martínez was replaced by Álvaro Valles. Las Palmas had to start from scratch. Alcorcón also had to replace their goalkeeper, as Jiménez suffered an injury. The game entered a phase of worrying monotony due to the continual fouls and few chances for either side. The game became an ugly, long ball affair with second-phase possession, with both defences cancelling out each other’s weak attacks. For the home side, Narváez, Srnic and Kirian were close to getting
