The Saint: Las Palmas V CF Rayo Majadahonda

19/5/19

Las Palmas entertain the Madrid based Rayo who sit in the relegation zone, 4th from bottom. With only 4 games remaining and 2 at home, the LP fans are hoping for a strong finish to the season after some very disappointing displays in recent weeks.

Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es

9 mins gone and a first chance for the home side. Poor play at the back by the visitors and they give the ball away to Castro who goes down in the box, but no penalty.

On 17 mins another good chance, free kick gets played into the box from the right, but Penalba’s shot goes just wide of the post.

In the 24th minute Rayo win their first corner. The resulting header is easily saved by Martinez in the LP Goal.

Poor play from the home side defence and they give the ball away on the edge of the box but the shot is just too high.

32 mins and a lovely turn by lively Las Palmas midfielder Ruiz wins a corner.

Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es

With just three minutes to go before half time and a ball over the top of UDLP defence combines with a clumsy challenge inside of the box by Penalba to give Rayo a penalty. Martinez goes the right way but the ball flies in just pass his outstretched hand. LP 0 – Rayo 1.

Half Time – Las Palmas 0 Rayo 1

HT Verdict – a game of few chances with only a penalty making the difference between the 2sides. Las Palmas have had a few chances but nothing clear cut.

With the visitors position in the league, this is a big game for them and I can see them playing very defensively in the 2nd half so LP need to move the ball quicker and be patient and wait for their chance.

Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es

46 mins – and straight away LP go close to equalising with a dangerous cross.

From the resulting corner, the ball is played into the box from a short corner and a hand deflects the ball away, handball and ref gives the penalty. Castro puts his shot into the right hand corner. 1-1, a perfect start to the 2nd half.

52 mins – quick break by the home side but Araujo can’t get his cross over.

58 mins and finally LP are playing some nice one-touch passing and create a good chance for Castro but his shot is just past the post.

65 mins and plenty more good play by the home side and they win another corner.

Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es

69 mins Rayo win another penalty after their dangerous little midfielder Varela goes down in the box. Verez gets his 2nd penalty of the game. LP 1 – Rayo 2

77 mins a good break down the right and a cross into the box finds Araujo who takes it down on his chest and puts his shot directly into the bottom corner. 2-2.

Well this is a lively last 10 mins! Both sides are going for the win and in the last minute of the 5 minutes of injury time Las Palmas win a free kick. The ball is played into the area and Garcia takes aim, and fires the ball all the way into the back of the net!!! Ref blows for full time.

Final score Las Palmas 3 Rayo 2

Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es

The Saint’s Verdict – A much better 2nd half with LP playing some good attacking football. It was great to see them come back twice from behind and to get a last minute winner . The poor suffering loyal fans – of which there were few, went home happy for once!

Last home game of the season against Almeria on Sunday 2nd June. KO tbc. PIO PIO