Las Palmas vs Valencia ends in a last-gasp win for the hosts as Marc Cardona stars at the death

Las Palmas vs Valencia: An Overview

Ninth placed Las Palmas hosted eighth placed Valencia at the Gran Canaria in La Liga on Saturday, February 10.

The hosts entered this contest on the back of a rather poor downturn of form. With just three wins in their last 10, they were slowly losing ground on the race for European spots. The other results were five defeats and two draws as the club slowly slipped down the La Liga standings. Las Palmas were winless in their three games prior to this one, scoring two goals and conceding five. They had the opportunity to overtake their next opponents and were looking to do well.

Valencia, on the other hand, were in a much better vein of form than their opponents heading into this game. With six wins in their last 10, they seemed the favourites. The other results were three draws and a defeat as they looked to maintain a good record. They won three of their last five, scoring eight goals and conceding seven as they looked for consistency. They knew a win would create some daylight between them and their opponents.

Las Palmas vs Valencia: Match Report & Analysis

Las Palmas rallied late to secure a crucial 2-0 win over rivals Valencia in La Liga on Saturday, February 10.

The hosts made a strong start to the game and began as they intended to continue. They kept the ball for lengthy spells in the first half, looking to draw Valencia out of their shape and cause mistakes. With 76% of the ball in the first period, Las Palmas arguably lacked creative output. They attempted just three shots, with one of those on target.

The visitors attempted four shots with one on target with their limited possession. However, neither side could score and the teams were deadlocked at 0-0 at the break.

The second half saw Las Palmas being content to concede possession in exchange for a few attacking risks from Valencia. The hosts in turn adopted a crossing strategy which saw them bombard balls into the box from both flanks. Both their late goals came as a result of this strategy.

Marc Cardona put a hopeful ball into the 18-yard box in the 89^th minute as time was running out. Full back Alex Suarez showed great determination to win the header and bundle the ball over the line to send the home crowd into raptures. Cardona then sealed the victory six minutes later in a similar move, with his namesake Sergi Cardona playing the cross from the wings.

The win saw Las Palmas overtake Valencia into eighth place by virtue of a superior goal difference. On that note, let’s take a look at the top performers from the game.

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Las Palmas vs Valencia: Top Performers

Marc Cardona  – Las Palmas (8.5/10)

For someone who was only on the pitch for around 15 minutes, Marc Cardona played a huge part in the result turning in his team’s favour. He was brought on as a substitute for former Barcelona player Munir El Haddadi in the 83^rd minute.

Cardona had a remarkably low seven touches of the ball during his cameo, of which one shot was a goal and one key pass turned out to be an assist. The goal was only his third of the league season but was invaluable for his club.

Alex Suarez  – Las Palmas (8/10)

The hosts’ right back Alex Suarez had a great game and was vital on both ends of the pitch. He won five of his six duels, making three tackles, two interceptions and one clearance. Suarez passed the ball with 80% accuracy, including one key pass.

Despite being a right back, the 31-year-old showed great determination and courage to attack the opponents’ penalty area so late in the game, which could have left his own team exposed on one flank. However, he took the chance and it paid off.

Pepelu  – Valencia (7.5/10)

The highly-talented Pepelu was a bright spark in a rather dull Valencia side. He passed the ball with 81%, making one key pass and five long balls. He was also courageous in midfield, winning nine of his 12 duels, making six tackles, one interception and one clearance in the process.

The 25-year-old Spaniard tried to bring his team into the game by himself but unfortunately lacked support. He also attempted two shots but both were off-target.

Las Palmas vs Valencia: Match Point

For most part of this contest, there was nothing to separate the two teams as they both dominated the game in phases. Both Las Palmas and Valencia had decent chances to turn the tide in their favour but the hosts wanted the win more.

They made good use of their substitutes and maintained optimal concentration levels even in the dying embers to get the result they came for. Such performances will stand Garcia Pimenta’s men in good stead as they look to finish their season strong.

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