The Blue and Whites came up against the Yellows on matchday 35 on this Saturday afternoon (17th April). In adherence with protocol, the match was held at an empty Estadio de Gran Canaria.
On the pitch both teams fought for control of the ball in the opening stages. The locals tried to keep the Blue and Whites – dressed in green and purple today – at bay in the first leg of play, with the visitors maintaining a strong defence and disabling the rival’s attempts.
Pellicer’s men gained ground as the match advanced, creating several dangerous approaches. Juande, Jozabed and Caye could have made it 0-1 before the half-time whistle, but it wasn’t to be.
In the second half the same tone of the match continued. On the pitch it was as if play hadn’t stopped. The Malaguistas kept up their hunger for a goal, frequenting the area. Las Palmas also tried to overcome the Blue and White defence, generating a clear chance in 61’. A local striker came close to a 1-0 lead with a header from a clearance inside the area. With Juan Soriano out of the picture the goal looked a cert, but Lombán’s reflexes put paid to the home side opening the scoring.
Málaga were quick to respond at the other end of the field. Yanis didn’t manage to connect with a great pass between the lines following an extraordinary triangulation on the edge of the penalty area. The number ‘17’ was unmarked in front of the Yellow keeper, but was intercepted by a local defender (63’).
Pellicer’s men made numerous high-voltage plays, until they reaped the reward in 78’. Stefan received a pass from Joaquín Muñoz after an impressive run from the winger to score with definition to the far post, rendering the goalkeeper's stretch useless. The striker celebrated the goal with his teammates with great emotion.
The pace of play was staggered after the goal, and Las Palmas went level from a set piece. Araujo finished a corner kick in 85’ to take the scoreboard to 1-1.
At the full-time whistle both teams share the points. A point closer to the objective for the Blue and Whites.
