A New Historic Start
UD Las Palmas opened the season with a 2-1 victory over Albacete, thanks to goals from Jesé Rodríguez and Sandro Ramírez. Coach Rubén de la Barrera aims to replicate the 1999-2000 start, when Sergio Kresic's team won two consecutive matches and was promoted to LaLiga. The next match against AD Ceuta at Alfonso Murube is crucial to match the historic record.
The Legend of 1999-2000
The 1999-2000 campaign was historic: it combined young academy players like Álex Castro and Orlando Suárez with veterans such as Zeljko Cikovic and Paqui Veza. The team achieved 20 wins, 12 draws, and 10 losses, scoring 60 goals and conceding 41. It finished five points ahead of Osasuna and six ahead of Villarreal, culminating in promotion to LaLiga.
Comparisons and Challenges
Current coach Rubén de la Barrera focuses on a vertical style, while Kresic prioritized physical solidity. Although a strong start doesn't guarantee promotion, in eight seasons with four points in the first two matches, only in 2014-15 (playoffs) and 2022-23 (second place) was promotion achieved. AD Ceuta, after a 5-1 defeat to Andorra, seeks redemption in front of their fans amid a migration crisis.
A Legacy That Inspires
Kresic's team also opened the 2016-17 season in LaLiga with two consecutive wins under Quique Setién. The last strong start in Segunda División dates back to 1999-2000, matching the record of 1984-85, which ended with promotion. The pressure is high, but the dream of repeating the glory remains alive.
