UD Las Palmas will face Orlando Pirates for the second time on July 22 at 18:00 at the Marbella Football Center, completing its second pre‑season fixture under Rubén de la Barrera.

What does this friendly mean for the squad?

The match, scheduled after the clash with Al‑Ittihad on July 25, gives the yellows a chance to fine‑tune tactics before their Segunda División debut against Albacete on August 16. Facing the South African champions, the coaching staff aims to test the physical resilience that produced a 0‑0 draw on July 17, 2025, despite goalkeeper Chaine’s red card.

Who are the South African opponents?

Orlando Pirates arrive as reigning Premier Soccer League champions, boasting five league titles, ten South African Cups and a CAF Champions League crown. Their blend of experience and brute strength challenged UD Las Palmas in the first half of the previous meeting, where the islanders held the majority of possession.

Which key players will feature?

New Zealand midfielder André de Jong remains the only non‑African player in the squad led by Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The departure of Chaine in the last encounter left a gap the manager must fill before the upcoming friendly. Forward Carlos García, who has netted several goals this season, will look to recapture the form that helped him contribute to the 57 goals scored so far.

Where does the club stand in the league?

Currently, UD Las Palmas sits 5th in Segunda División with 73 points (20 wins, 13 draws, 9 losses) and a +17 goal difference after scoring 57 and conceding 40. The side trails league leaders Racing Santander by 9 points, highlighting the need to sharpen the squad before the official start.

What comes after the friendly?

Following the match against Orlando Pirates, the schedule includes a showdown with Al‑Ittihad on July 25, another test to polish the back line and attacking transitions. The final rehearsal before the league opener will be the clash with Albacete, where the performance in Marbella could influence the early points haul.