Tag: #TheSaint

Fore! Huge success for the European Tour at the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open helped with a header from our man Gilliam…

May, 2021 | Sport, Tourism |

The Saint: Las Palmas V CF Rayo Majadahonda

May, 2019 | Las Palmas, Sport |

The Saint: UD Las Palmas V CD Lugo

Apr, 2019 | Las Palmas, Sport |

The Saint: Las Palmas v Elche

Apr, 2019 | Events & Leisure, Las Palmas, Sport |

The Return of The Saint: Las Palmas v Mallorca

Mar, 2019 | Las Palmas, Sport |

Latest Gran Canaria News, Views & Sunshine

Vox Enters Canarian Politics, Stage Right: Anti-Migrant, Anti-Feminist, Anti-Green, Anti-Autonomy, Anti-LGBT, Anti-Multiculturalism, Pro-Franco politics find a foothold on The Canary Islands

May, 2023 |

The Canary Islands were unable to avoid the rise of the far right on Sunday, unlike in 2019, writes Natalia G. Vargas in Canarias Ahora. Vox, which previously had no representation on the islands, managed to make its presence felt in several municipalities and councils this May 28. They also secured seats in the Canary Islands’ regional parliament, securing four deputies. “Defending what is ours, our own, and fighting against insecurity” were the slogans that underpinned Vox’s campaign in The Canary Islands, along with “family, employment, and freedom.” This rhetoric, coupled with an electoral program that was repeated across all local elections in Spain, proved sufficient. Dozens of cities and towns on the islands welcomed their first far right candidates of the modern democratic era into Canarian politics, with urban areas serving as their main strongholds.

La Alcaldesa Bueno Secures Incredible Majority in Mogán

May, 2023 |

Mogán, May 29, 2023 – The often controversial incumbent, O Bueno, La Alcaldesa, has achieved an unprecedented and resounding victory once more in Mogán. The candidate who switched her party’s name, for these elections, to “Juntos por Mogán”, a local ally of the regionalist conservatives “Coalición Canaria” (CC), will once again assume the role of mayor. Her party has clinched a rather noteworthy 17 out of the 21 seats in the Municipal Council of this popular tourism destination located on the sunny southwest of Gran Canaria.

UD Las Palmas Celebrate Return to La Liga First Division in Grand Style after Gran Canaria Stadium Goalless Draw with Alavés

May, 2023 |

UD Las Palmas made a glorious comeback to the First Division in a thrilling encounter against Deportivo Alavés that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. In front of a raucous near-capacity-crowd of 31,790, Las Palmas sealed their return ticket to the top flight with a hard-fought goalless draw in the season’s photo finish.

The Canary Guide Día de Canarias #WeekendTips 26-28 May 2023

May, 2023 |

What an interesting last weekend of May ahead. Weather predictions are showing some rain showers are likely across Gran Canaria. This extended #WeekendTips covers up to Tuesday, when all things Canarian are celebrated on the Día de Canarias. There’ll be some gorgeous Patron Saints’ festivities happening in San Fernando de Maspalomas as well as in Valleseco.

Fun Fact:
Valleseco literally means “dry valley” in Spanish, but is actually one of the wettest municipalities Gran Canaria. Nestling between the famous fresh water sources of Firgas & Teror, half way up the island’s mountainous northern slopes, this area is well known for its apple growers, cider and its weekly market

Six weeks since the unexplained disappearance of Anna-Karin on Gran Canaria

May, 2023 |

The authorities on Gran Canaria have been engaged in a rigorous search for Swedish tourist Anna-Karin Bengtsson, who went missing in the south of Gran Canaria around April 9. Her unexplained disappearance has caused her family much distress, with no clues to her whereabouts having emerged in the six weeks since they first realised her phone was no longer functioning.

The Saint: Las Palmas V Córdoba

May, 2019 | Sport

13/5/19
Following the disappointing result again last Saturday night in the local derby against Tenerife, losing yet another lead and ending up in a 2-1 defeat, now UD Las Palmas are only 5 points away from relegation. Córdoba sit 2nd from bottom, so this is a massive game for LP tonight to try and avoid being dragged into the relegation battle.
A quick start by the away side but their centre forward shoots miles wide in the opening 2mins.
13 mins in and a good chance for LP, Araujo goes clear but gets the ball stuck in his feet and it is cleared when he should have scored.
In the 19th min – LP win a corner, after a bit of a scrabble in the 6 yard box, Blum manages to bundle the ball over the line. 1-0 LP.
24 mins and a long ball over the top, Castro lobs the ball over the advancing keeper but it rebounds away off the post. Unlucky there.
2 minutes from half time, and another good chance for LP, again Araujo finds space inside the box but the keeper makes a good save.
A minute later Castro goes clear, but his pullback gets cleared.
Half Time – Las Palmas 1 Córdoba 0
Good half for LP and they have created plenty of chances. They should be at least a couple up but we know what happens when they don’t take their chances!!!! Lets hope they don’t chuck this one away tonight.
54mins – and a good chance for the away team, ball cuts back and the shot is saved by the legs of the young Martinez in the home goal.
Straight up to the other end, and good chance for Castro but his header is too high.
The away side are starting to get back into this match, on 82 mins they get a good chance but the shot is well wide. LP need to be careful or else they will let another lead slip away.
More pressure from Córdoba but LP manage to keep them out and hold on for a vital win.
Full Time – Las Palmas 1 Cordoba 0
The Saint Verdict – A much needed win and with 4 games remaining and 8 points clear of the relegation positions , I think LP are now safe. Another game where we were hanging on at the end where we should of been 3/4 goals up at half time. Yet again a small crowd of just under 7,000 took out the frustrations with jeers towards the chairman just before the end.
Next home match – Sunday 19th May 17.00 V Rayo Majadahonda. PIO PIO

UDLasPalmas

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The Canary Guide

The Saint: Las Palmas v Numancia

Oct, 2018 | Las Palmas, Sport

20/10/18
After a disappointing defeat at Almeria last weekend, losing 3-0 , Las Palmas need to get back to winning ways if they want to stay in the promotion race. This is a special home game for Las Palmas who have chosen this year to support the raising of funds and awareness for International Breast Cancer Day (the day prior, 19 Oct) by encouraging all their fans to wear pink, selling special commemorative “pink ribbon” t-shirts and playing in their own official pink kit from 2 years ago. There is a festival buzz of solidarity around the stadium.
Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es
Just 15 seconds in and a pretty bad foul on Araujo leads to a yellow card shown to the visitors. From the free kick, Araujo finds space at the far post and puts the ball into the back of the net!!! 1-0 LP, great start!!
A big cheer goes up around the stadium when the ref gets taken out on 15mins . On 20mins LP win another free kick on the edge of the box, the ball gets played in and Rafa Mir jumps the highest and plants his header into the net!! 2-0 LP.
A good move by LP on 28mins, a long ball over the top to Castro, finds no support in the box but he holds the ball up well and finds Araujo at the far post though his shot is well saved.
We are 42 mins in until Numancia find their first chance. A shot from the edge of the box, but the ball goes just wide of the far post.
HT Las Palmas 2 Numancia 0
The Saint’s HT Verdict – Great start to the match from the home team and they went on to get a second soon after. Totally deserve to be winning with the away side showing very little upfront.
If they carry on with the same performance in the 2nd half, and they will get back to winning ways.
Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es
LP make a quick break and Mir shows his pace and quickly breaking clear but his tame end shot is easily saved.
56th min and Araujo cuts inside his defender, but sees his curling shot come off the post. Really unlucky there not to make it 3.
Some poor defending by the away teams lets in Mir but instead of passing to Castro for an easy tap in, he continues and sees his shot blocked. That should of been 3!
72mins Numancia number 6 – Escassi uses his elbow in not a nice way, and having already been booked, is shown a red card and time for an early bath!!!
75 minutes in and Mesa breaks clear, the goalkeeper makes a save but the ball falls nicely to Mesa again and he puts into the empty net. 3-0!
82mins – a good run by sub Blum but again should have passed to either Castro or Araujo but decides to have a shot himself again saved.
Full Time Las Palmas 3 Numancia 0
The Verdict of The Saint – A thoroughly deserved win.

I had the pleasure of watching this game from the directors’ box having been invited by the Canarian Breast Cancer Association, ACCM, for my support every year to them. It was great to see the club supporting the ACCM charity and wearing a pink kit and the crowd – 13,421 , wearing pink T-Shirts in aid of the charity.
With a perfect start, LP never looked back and probably should have won by more goals. Lets hope they can continue this form and move back up the league. With Castro and Araujo upfront, they will likely cause most in defense plenty of problems this season.
Next home game – Saturday 3rd November – Deportivo La Coruña 20.30 KO.
UdLP v Numancia

The Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria triathlon and road closures on Saturday 22 April on GC-500 Mogán

by Sanna | April 17, 2023 | Sport | 0 CommentsThe Mogán town council, on the sunny southwest of Gran Canaria, has issued several maps to indicate restricted access to various locations, as well as road closures during a major annual event planned for next weekend. The restrictions take place between 06:00 and...
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The Canary Guide: Foundational festivities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2022

by Sanna | May 24, 2022 | Events & Leisure, Las Palmas | 0 CommentsThis year marks the 544th Anniversary of the founding of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain’s first Atlantic City and colony. From its origins on June 24th 1478, first named El Real de las Tres Palmas (The Royal Town of the Three Palms), the city celebrates the...
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The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 22-24 April 2022

by Sanna | April 22, 2022 | Events & Leisure, Fairs & Markets, Sport, Weather, Weekend Tips | 0 CommentsA wonderfully interesting April weekend ahead. Weather predictions are showing some sunshine, clouds, and a big possibility of some rain on Gran Canaria this weekend (April, eh?). With masks coming off across Spain (psst... it's still ok to wear one if you want...
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The Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria triathlon and road closures on Saturday 23 April on GC-500 Mogán

by Sanna | April 19, 2022 | Local Council, Mogán, Sport, Weekend Tips | 0 CommentsThe Mogán town council, on the popular southwest of Gran Canaria, has issued several maps to indicate restricted access to various locations, as well as road closures, this Saturday, April 23 between 06:00-14:00. Likewise, the town hall have made their apologies for...
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UK nationals Pop-Up Residency events this week with Age In Spain, on Gran Canaria North and South

by Timon .:. | May 4, 2021 | Community, Las Palmas, Mogán | 0 CommentsAge in Spain's Regional Co-ordinator for the Canary Islands, Deepika Harjani, will be holding some pop-up events on 5 and 6 May to help British people on Gran Canaria who may have residency questions or concerns. - Given the amount of...
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Fore! Huge success for the European Tour at the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open helped with a header from our man Gilliam…

by Timon .:. | May 3, 2021 | Sport, Tourism | 0 CommentsGolf's prestigious European Tour returned to the Canary Islands this April, for the first time in nearly 20 years with The Gran Canaria Lopesan Open, staged on the south coast, at the visually outstanding Meloneras Golf. The European Tour has form in the Archipelago,...
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Operation ‘Avio’ Spanish Tax Agency “Aduanas” intercept fishing boat carrying 18,000 kilos of hashish south of the Canary Islands

by Timon .:. | March 29, 2021 | Crime, Government, investigation, Las Palmas, News, Police, Transport, Transport | 0 CommentsMarch 29, 2021 .- More details have emerged from Operation 'Avio', the second major drugs haul to have been carried out in recent days in waters near to Gran Canaria and The Canary Islands archipelago. Three crew members were detained...
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Shipping companies start sending ships to the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Port of La Luz to circumvent the blocked Suez Canal

by Timon .:. | March 28, 2021 | Business, Economy, History, Las Palmas, News, Transport, Transport | 0 CommentsShipping companies have started sending ships via the main Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Port of La Luz to avoid the blockade in the Suez Canal. The president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Luis Ibarra, confirmed on Saturday that the capital will be one of the...
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Extra restrictions on Gran Canaria over easter, including travel, gatherings, entertainment and the beach

by Timon .:. | March 26, 2021 | #TheCanaryCoronaVirus, Alerts, Events & Leisure, Government, Health, Las Palmas, News, Tourism, Transport, Transport | 0 CommentsThis Friday morning began the first day of additional restrictions over easter being in force, until April 9, aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus as much as possible, at a time when general mobility traditionally increases Gran Canaria over easter, as well as...
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Bentago Express ferry repairs on schedule for resumption of service before the summer say Fred. Olsen

by Timon .:. | March 12, 2021 | Business, Las Palmas, News, Transport, Transport | 0 CommentsThe repair work to the stricken Bentago Express ferry that ran aground at the beginning of the year at Gran Canaria's north west port of Agaete, is continuing at the Astilleros Canarios (Astican) facilities in the Puerto La Luz, Port of Las Palmas. Fred Olsen...
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The Saint: Las Palmas v Girona

May, 2018 | Sport

19.5.18
Courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es
4 mins in, Girona break down the right wing, good ball in the middle and Stuani plants an easy header passed the keeper. 0-1
LP win a penalty in the 12th minute after a cross from the left, a Girona defender pushes Halilovic and the ref takes action. Calleri scores!!! 1-1
A good chance follows for Girona, whose forward goes around our keeper and lays it back, but Chichizola produces a great save. Then straight up to the other end and Halilovic cuts in from the right but his shot is easily saved.
33 mins and a good build up of play by the home side, sets Momo up, but his shot is just too high.
4 minutes before half time, some poor defending by LP, wastes a chance to clear the ball, it is badly controlled in the box and falls to Stuani who turns quick and puts his shot in the bottom corner for his 2nd of the game. 1-2.
HT Verdict of The Saint – good open game with both sides attacking. Poor defending from LP has gifted Girona the 2nd goal. This game has the feeling of a pre-season friendly with both sides having nothing to play for. Lets hope LP can give this small supporter crowd of remaining die-hards something to cheer about in the 2nd half.
Courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es
First chance in the 2nd half for the home side. Halilovic sees his shot from the edge of the box pushed away for a corner.
67 mins and Girona break away but a great tackle from Garcia saves what would have been a certain goal.
Las Palmas keep getting into good positions but the final ball is letting them down.
No more decent chances for either side and the game ends.
Las Palmas 1 Girona 2
The Final Verdict – well this game sums up the season for Las Palmas.
They played ok, had plenty of the ball but not good enough in the final 3rd to produce enough winning chances. Then poor defensive errors and a lack of concentration lets the opposition in.
All season they tried to play from the back, but they are just not good enough and put themselves under unnecessary pressure, which causes more mistakes.
Hopefully there will be big changes over the summer, plenty of new signings and a new manager to change the style of play. It was a sad day once again, stadium empty and no atmosphere.
The 3 year return to La Liga is over for now, the new season sees them return to the 2nd Division.

LP v Girona

The Saint: Las Palmas V Getafe

May, 2018 | Events & Leisure, Las Palmas, Sport

06/05/2018
Just a couple of weeks after relegation was confirmed with a home defeat against Alaves the fans are certainly voting with their feet and staying away from the Gran Canaria Stadium. This must be the lowest numbers I’ve seen in my 10 years of coming to see UD Las Palmas play, this time against European hopefuls Getafe.
Earlier pressure by LP, wins a corner just 3 mins in
LP win another corner on 8mins and this time a good header is produced by Gálvez but it hits the bar and bounces away to safety. Unlucky there.
Another good break forward by Halilovic but his shot is blocked. A good start here by the home side.
With such a small crowd it feels like a practise match but the home side are playing the better football.
On 40mins, a great chance for the Yellows with Nacho shooting over from 12 yards when he should have done a lot better.
Las Palmas are keeping it tight at the back for once and the away side haven’t made our keeper make even one save.
The Half Time Verdict of The Saint- Las Palmas 0 Getafe 0
The Saint Verdict – a much improve performance by the home side and they are unlucky not to be winning. With Getafe playing for a Europa league spot , they are not putting the home side under any pressure and look a poor side. But we know how quick things can change !!!
Just after half time around 200 of the “Ultra” fans arrive, refusing to watch the first half in protest against the owner. At least they brought some atmosphere into the stadium.
2 good chances for Las Palmas but both shots are blocked. From the resulting corner again Gálvez makes a good shot which again unluckily this time hits the post.
After 10mins of protesting the Ultras now leave the stadium once again. They’ve certainly made their feelings known to the club.
More pressure from the home side in the 59th minute but the resulting appeals for a penalty are waved away by the ref.
65 mins, and a good ball puts Calleri in on goal, he tries to get the ball back on to his right foot but his shot is blocked.
3 minutes later and the first real chance for the visitors. The ball played through & the centre forward is clean past the defence but the LP keeper comes out quick and makes a good block.
75 mins and another quick break by the visitors which looks offside, ball crossed in the middle and somehow they miss from 6yards. A good run follows and a shot by the Angel which he sees crash against the bar. The game is opening up now.
82mins , good play by LP, finds Jairo in space inside the box by the keeper makes a great save.
With just 3 minutes before full time disaster strikes, poor defending gives the ball away and Angel slots it home from close range. 0-1
Full Time – Las Palmas 0 Getafe 1
The Verdict of The Saint – a typical game for Las Palmas , played ok, had good chances but failed to take them and then a lack of concentration at the back let Getafe score, losing the game which in my opinion they should have won. With only one home game remaining now, it’s been a long season for the fans but will even less of them turn up in 2 weeks time!!?

Las palmas v Getafe

The Saint: Las Palmas v Real Sociedad

Apr, 2018 | Events & Leisure, Las Palmas, Sport

14.4.18
Las Palmas looking to get back to winning ways after losing again last Sunday against their biggest rivals Levante, there is now a 10 point gap between both clubs and in the opinion of The Saint it is now too much for Las Palmas to be able to make up with only 6 games to go.
Saturday saw them play 13th position Real Sociedad who themselves haven’t got much to play for.
6 mins gone and the first chance for the visitors but header is wide.
On 9 mins, another very fast break by the visitors and some neat one touch football puts the lively winger Januzaj clear but Las Palmas keeper Chichizola makes a good save.
20 mins gone, a very lacklustre start by the Las Palmas team with no shot yet on goal
Then after more attacking play by the away team, on 21 mins the visitors break down the left, cut inside the box and Mikel slots one home. An easy goal. 1-0 down. The crowd after the goal starts chanting insults towards the chairman about the poor season.
The atmosphere in the stadium is very negative and it’s rubbing off on the players.
Another chance arrives for the visitors but again the shot is wide.
32 mins in and another chance for Sociedad but again saved by the Chichizola, the Las Palmas keeper.
On 37 mins Las Palmas finally get a shot at goal, the lively winger Ezekiel produces a good centre that finds Etebo but his shot is high and wide. Home crowd cheer as they have seen a shot!!!
No more chances after that before its half time
The Saint´s HT Verdict – Poor first half in a half empty stadium with no atmosphere. Fans are voting with their feet and staying away. You can’t blame them after another poor away performance last weekend and another defeat. The team doesn’t seem to have much fight left in them and a win in this game doesn’t seem likely.
The second half begins with a much better start by the home side and Tana takes a weak shot in the opening minute.
Another good break by LP but a poor cross comes to nothing.
57th min and good chance for the visitors stopped by a very good last ditch tackle and captain Garcia averts what looked like a certain goal.
75 mins and Real miss a sitter from 5 yards, the big centre forward Imanol somehow puts his header wide.
80 minutes in and we win our first corner!!! A good chance but sub Calleri heads it just over.
Just thee minutes to go before the game’s end and another chance for the home side but again the header by Garcia is just over.
Full Time – Las Palmas 0 Real Sociedad 1

The Verdict of The Saint – That was probably the worst performance I’ve seen for many years by Las Palmas.
As a Saints Fan and supporting them through the 90’s, only just avoiding relegation most years, we had to rely on the team giving 110% which helped the supporters get behind them and of course the brilliance of a certain Matt “ Le God” Le Tisser.
Now what I witnessed on Saturday was simply disgraceful. The team were going through the motions and it looked like a pre-season friendly. There was no fight, no tempo to their play and no excitement for the loyal fans to cheer about. It’s not surprising the attendance was so poor and most fans deciding to stay away.
The fans who were there showed their anger towards the chairman, but until he departs I’m afraid there is little hope of them returning to La Liga next season.
I know mathematically they have not been relegated yet but it’s only a matter of time. There do not seem to be many young players coming through to the first team so let’s hope we can get a new chairman in charge who will back the manager.
Next home game is next Sunday 22nd April 17.30 V Alaves.
No “PIO PIO” from me this week, they just don’t deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From UDLasPalmas.es:
UDLasPalmas.es

The Saint: UD Las Palmas v Real Madrid CF

Apr, 2018 | Events & Leisure, Las Palmas, Sport

31.1.18
Las Palmas entertain the mighty Real Madrid looking for some much needed points after their nearest rivals Levante, who sit above the relegation drop zone, opened up a 7 point gap after managing a draw earlier in the day.
A lively start by the home team and with 3mins gone they win the first corner of the match.
One minute later Calleri finds himself in a good position, on the edge of the box, but his shot is just wide.
Madrid take their first shot on 6mins but Bale shoots high and wide.
A quick break from the home team finds Halilovic who gets a good run to the edge of the box and then produces a good shot, but well stopped by the Madrid keeper.
A good chance follows for Madrid with Benzema’s shot is well saved by Chichizola in the home goal.
23 mins gone and Madrid produce the best chance of the game so far, Las Palmas lose the ball in midfield and a quick break by Madrid but again a fine save by Chichizola.
On 26 mins Bale breaks straight down the left wing, after a good ball by Modric his left shot goes straight into the top corner. 1-0 Madrid.
In the 38th minute a trip on Lucas for Madrid and the player goes down just inside the box and the referee awards a dubious penalty. Benzema slots the ball home, 2-0 Madrid.
HT Las Palmas 0 Real Madrid 2
The Half Time Verdict – a good start to the half by the home team and they created a couple of good chances but both times they saw their shot go just wide.
Then some sloppy play from LP let in Madrid’s ex Saint, Gareth Bale, who produced an excellent finished. The penalty looked a soft goal to give away. Las Palmas have a lot of work to do to get back into this match. I can see Madrid letting them have plenty of position in the 2nd half but they will look to catch Las Palmas on the break.
Just 2mins in and a chance to Benzema after a good ball from Bale.
Then on 51 mins another poor decision by the ref; Bale goes to shoot after a cross from the left and his foot makes contact with the Navarro, defending for Las Palmas. Both players feet make contact, with Navarro trying to block the shot. The ball goes wide but the ref gives another penalty. Bale suddenly gets up after rolling around in pain and bangs the ball in. Las Palmas 0 – Real Madrid 3
59 mins gone, Madrid have another good break with Benzema setting up Bale for his hat-trick, but a great block, from Galvez, denies him.
7mins later two more good chances for Madrid to make it four but somehow Benzema misses from 3 yards out
A minute after that the Madrid keeper loses possession of the ball to Sub Erik Exposito but somehow Erik shoots wide with just the keeper to beat.
Then follows yet another poor refereeing display, some good play by Mono, his cross finding Calleria whose header is pushed over the top of the bar but somehow the referee gives a goal kick. This really upsets the home crowd and they let their feelings be known to the ref who, in my eyes, is having a nightmare!!!
On 86 and 87 mins two more very good chances for Madrid but both times the final ball is over hit.
Full Time : Las Palmas 0 Real Madrid 3
The Verdict of The Saint – Las Palmas were looking to get back into the game but they left big gaps at the back for Madrid to exploit into in the second half.
Madrid should have won by more in the end, if they had taken their chances. With so many star players missing for Madrid, as they were being rested before their ¼ final match in the Champions League next week, Las Palmas failed to deliver the same performance they produced against Barca a few weeks ago.
A massive 6 pointer coming up next Sunday away at Levante, if Las Palmas don’t get a win there, then I’m afraid it will be the end of their journey in La Liga and relegation will unfortunately be assured. The gap would then be 10 points with only 7 games left.
Next home game: Saturday 14th April KO 17.30
Real Sociedad. PIO PIO

The Saint: Las Palmas V Levante

Nov, 2017 | Events & Leisure, Las Palmas, News, Sport

19/11/17 – Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es

Las Palmas entertain mid-table Levante. LP must start winning and break this losing streak which is now 8 games in a row. This is a good chance to pick up the much needed 3pts.

10 minutes gone no real chances for either side. Then in the 12th minute, the first chance of the match falls to the away side but it was wasted at the far post.
3 minutes later and the best chance so far to Levante but Raul, in the home goal, makes a good save.
First yellow card to Levante’s Campana who pulls Vicente back to slow down a quick break from LP.
Good work by Raul in the home goal cutting out a cross after a quick break by the visitors
25th minute sees Las Palmas first real chance of the match so far, good move down the left, nice ball by Viera sets up Calleri who slots home in the bottom corner, but unluckily the goal is disallowed for offside. Loyal UDLP fans in the UK report in with The Saint straight away, one message from Michael Wheatley, watching from his sofa in Burton, says “it was a good goal!” So really unlucky there!!
Another good move from home team but this time it’s Vitolo who breaks left, crosses to the centre but no one is there. I think he should have taken it on his own and made the shot himself there.
Another good move by home time but nobody wants to shoot, nice one-touch play but in the end no-one is taking responsibility to take a shot and the away keeper makes an easy save.
The home team on top now. They need to take one of these chances.
33 minutes in and a good save by home keeper Raul after a good shot on the edge of the box from Levante.
Poor play by LP, they keep giving the ball away in dangerous areas, needlessly putting themselves under pressure.
Good play follows, Calleri twice has half chances but again wastes them.

Half-time – Las Palmas 0 Levante 0
The Opinion of The Saint – Quite an open game, both sides have half chances but Las Palmas need to make the most of the pressure they are putting on the visitors. They were unlucky with the disallowed goal but they must try to be more direct in the final 3rd.

Straight from kick-off the visitors get a great chance but well saved by Raul.
Tonight’s crowd of 26,212, a great improvement but mostly made up of local schoolboy teams, given free tickets. Great for the future, but not a true reflection on the attendance, with many fans staying away due to very poor performances over recent weeks.
Jonathan Viera is brought down on edge of the box, gifting a good chance with the free kick. But Viera himself fires it straight into the wall, another wasted opportunity.
A nice break by the home team, sees Viera set Tana up but his shot is easily saved.
On 65minutes the best chance of the game for the home team, strong shot by Calleri but Oier in the away goal pulls off an excellent save.
A dangerous free kick from the visitors flies just over the top
On 70 minutes Levante break down the left wing, cross the ball and Doukoure who plants his header in the left corner, leaving Raul with no chances. 1-0 to visitors. This was against the run of play but you could see it happening, it was predictable.
More good play from the visitors,Levante’s Jason cuts in from the left hand side and sees his shot go straight in the top corner 2-0.
Las Palmas huff and puff in the last 10mins but to no avail, no joy and no real chances as Levante see out the game.

The Verdict of The Saint – LP didn’t take their chances in 1st half, but after conceding you could see the confidence drain from the team.
After the 2nd goal went in, Levante just kept men behind the ball and sadly LP couldn’t break them down.
In the final minutes, the crowd again turned their frustration toward the owner and manager whose record now is played 8 lost 8!!!!

My last game for a while and I hope on my return in the spring they will be in a better state but on performance so far this season I’m afraid to say we might be already be in danger of going down. I think the manager needs to go and get someone in who will keep us up!!

Next home match see’s the return of Quique Setien when we take on 8th place Real Betis on Sunday 3rd December – 20.45 KO.

PIO PIO – keep the faith

UDLaspalmas.es

The Saint: Las Palmas Vs Deportivo La Coruna

Oct, 2017 | Events & Leisure, Las Palmas, Sport

– 30/10/17 – Images courtesy of UDLasPalmas.es
LP entertain Deportivo after more disappointment away to Villarreal last weekend losing 4-0. But they did beat tonight’s opponents away on Thursday night, in the away leg in the Copa Del Ray cup match, winning 4-1. Let’s hope for same result tonight. LP our still 3rd from bottom in La Liga but a win tonight would move them above tonight’s opponents.
5mins in and first attack by LP, ball gets played to Remy but his shot hits the side netting at the near post.
Another bright move follows by LP, Remy again gets the ball on the right wing, cuts inside and then breaks into the box, breaks once more and then sees his shot go underneath the keeper to make it 1-0 LP. A prefect start for LP.
First attack for the visitors comes on the 10th min where they win their first corner but it’s easily cleared.
Then on 13 mins danger man and captain Jonathan Viera goes off injured. A big loss for the home side tonight.
On 16 mins the visitors have their first shot on goal but it’s easily saved by Raul, who has come in for the out of form Chichizola.
Another good move by Deportivo, providing quick break down the right wing but the shot is blocked and goes for a corner.
25 mins gone and visitors are on top now, LP keep giving the ball away too easily and keep losing possession.
LP win a corner, Deportivo keeper punches clear to edge of box and Vicente hits a great volley but it hits the underneath of crossbar the ball gets cleared to safety. That was very unlucky there from the home team.
Then disaster strikes, on 35 mins Deportivo break down the right, cross the ball to the far post and Celso Borges is left unmarked and has an easy header into bottom corner to make the score 1-1.
Another break by the visitors follows, again same move down the right but this time LP manage to clear.
HT – 1-1
Verdict – Great start by the home team but didn’t continue to press and go for the 2nd. Then midway through the 1st half Deportivo started to take control, mainly due to LP losing possession too easily, and typically gave away a soft goal.
We need to use Remy more as he has the beating of his full back and looks dangerous but he needs more support to keep him more involved. Massive 2nd half to come, both teams desperate for the points.
Second-half starts and the visitors are on top.
On 52 mins the lively Bakkali breaks down the left wing, cuts inside and hits a great curling shot outside the box, but it’s well saved by Raul in the home goal.
From the corner, the ball is played into the box and Borges is left again unmarked at the far post to plant his header in and make it 1-2. Another poor goal to give away.
57 mins LP turn to attack, they try to cross from the right, ball gets deflected away for a corner, the crowd appeals for a penalty nothing given. From the corner Bigas heads it just over.
67 mins Deportivo breaks down the right, Lemos makes a stupid tackle and pulls down Cartabia and the ref has no choice but to give a penalty. The former Arsenal man Lucas makes no mistakes from the spot. Now Las Palmas are in big trouble, 1-3!!
The attendance is announced, a very poor 14,800. The reaction to this sets the crowd booing and gesturing towards the chairman about their disappointment again with the lack of ambition from the club.
76mins Good ball forward finds Calleri who goes round the on-rushing keeper, but from a tight angle his shot hits the side netting. That was the first time tonight, centre forward Calleri was given a decent pass to run on to.
84 minutes and LP win a Corner. A good header by Bigas but its saved by keeper. Two minutes later another good move by the home side down the right wing, they play the ball across the box but nobody is there to tap into the empty net.
The last 5mins, provide no real chance for the home side and in the end Deportivo came out 3-1 winners.
Final Score – Las Palmas 1 Deportivo 3

Posted by The Canary News on Tuesday, October 31, 2017

The Verdict of The Saint – After a great start, Las Palmas fail to create enough chances and to get a second goal which their early possession deserved.
The loss of Viera was big but they still didn’t get Remy into the game and the service to Calleri is poor.
The squad looks weak compared to last season and many now very worried for this season. The defence is all over the place and Lemos is so out of form compared to last season, when we thought a big club would come in for him.
They are trying to play from the back but the players just aren’t good enough. The manager has had a poor start, and with attendance dropping each week, the chairman needs to finally open his wallet in January to bring in some new faces or the La Liga dream will be over this season.
Next up the easy away game to European champions – Real Madrid!!!!
Next Home match – the weekend of the 18th November against Levante.
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