UD Las Palmas falls in second preseason match
UD Las Palmas, which finished fifth in the Segunda División last season with 73 points (20 wins, 13 draws, and 9 losses), suffered its second preseason defeat, losing 1-2 to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad. Despite a second-half effort, the team couldn't recover after being reduced to ten players in the 22nd minute due to Sergio Ruiz's red card.
What happened in the match?
The game started with an aggressive Al-Ittihad, which took the lead in the 14th minute thanks to a defensive mistake by Las Palmas. The situation worsened in the 22nd minute when Sergio Ruiz was sent off for a push. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the yellows reacted in the second half, with Iván Medina scoring to make it 1-2. Jefté Betancor, the team's latest signing, brought energy to the attack in his debut.
Why is this important for UD Las Palmas?
This match is crucial for fine-tuning the team ahead of the official season. Coach De la Barrera tested a lineup with potential starters, including Jesé Rodríguez in his first preseason game. Ruiz's red card and the second-half reaction highlight areas for improvement, especially in handling adverse situations.
What's next for the team?
With the season about to begin, Las Palmas aims to correct mistakes and solidify its play. The team, which scored 57 goals and conceded 40 last season, has a positive balance (+17 goal difference) and aspires to compete for promotion, though it finished 9 points behind league leader Racing Santander.
