In a crucial match for both teams, UD Las Palmas faced Real Sociedad on April 6, 2025, at the Estadio de Gran Canaria, with a desperate need for victory hanging over the home side. After recent disappointing results, Las Palmas entered the contest knowing they had to secure points to avoid sinking deeper into the relegation zone. With Deportivo Alavés winning their match earlier, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Canarians.
The match kicked off at 13:00 hours, with Las Palmas needing a win to stay competitive in the league. The home team, managed by Diego Martínez, fielded a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Dinko Horkas in goal, supported by defenders Viti Rozada, Juan Herzog, Scott McKenna, and Mika Mármol. The midfield included Javi Muñoz, Dário Essugo, Sandro Ramírez, and Alberto Moleiro, while the attacking duo consisted of Oliver McBurnie and Fábio Silva.
Real Sociedad, under the guidance of Imanol Alguacil, opted for a 4-1-4-1 setup, with Álex Remiro guarding the net. Their lineup included Jon Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Javi López, Martín Zubimendi, Sergio Gómez, Jon Olasagasti, Pablo Marín, Ander Barrenetxea, and the ever-dangerous Mikel Oyarzabal.
As the match unfolded, it quickly became apparent that the visitors were ready to capitalize on any mistakes made by Las Palmas. In just the 4th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for Real Sociedad, putting the home side on the back foot early. The goal came after a well-executed play that caught the Las Palmas defense off guard, allowing Oyarzabal to find the back of the net with ease.
Las Palmas, however, showed determination to respond. The team fought hard to regain control, pushing forward with several attacking plays. Fabio Silva, in particular, was a constant threat, hitting the crossbar in the 45th minute, a moment that had the home crowd on their feet, hoping for an equalizer. Despite their efforts, they could not find the finishing touch, with Remiro making key saves to deny them.
At halftime, the score stood at 0-1 in favor of Real Sociedad, with 22,616 spectators witnessing a tense battle. The first half statistics reflected a closely contested match, with Las Palmas holding 47.5% possession compared to Real Sociedad's 52.5%. Both teams registered four shots on target, but it was the visitors who made theirs count.
As the second half began, Las Palmas continued to press for an equalizer. They created several chances but failed to convert. In a notable moment, McBurnie found himself one-on-one with Remiro but was unable to score, as the goalkeeper showcased his reflexes to make a crucial save.
The intensity of the match remained high, with both teams exchanging opportunities. Javi López of Real Sociedad received a yellow card in the 46th minute after a challenge with McBurnie, adding to the physicality of the game.
As the clock ticked down, Las Palmas pushed for a late goal, with multiple attempts at the Real Sociedad goal. In one thrilling sequence, they had a double chance but were thwarted by Remiro's exceptional goalkeeping. The home side's frustration grew as they struggled to find the net.
In the midst of the action, Real Sociedad managed to extend their lead. Oyarzabal capitalized on a defensive lapse by Las Palmas, scoring his second goal after a shot from Barrenetxea was poorly dealt with by Horkas. This goal in the closing minutes of the match seemed to seal the fate of Las Palmas, leaving them with little time to mount a comeback.
Despite their best efforts, Las Palmas could not find the goal they so desperately needed. The final whistle blew, confirming a 0-2 defeat for the home team. This result marked a continuation of their struggles, as they have now gone without a win in their last six matches, a streak that has seen them fall deeper into the relegation battle.
Post-match, the atmosphere was somber among the Las Palmas players and fans. The team has only managed to secure 4 points from their last 33 available, a statistic that highlights the urgency of their situation as they look towards the remaining fixtures in the season. The next matches will be critical as they aim to avoid relegation.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will take this victory as a much-needed boost, especially after their recent struggles in the Copa del Rey. With aspirations of qualifying for European competitions, this win puts them in a better position as they continue their campaign in La Liga.
As both teams move forward, the implications of this match resonate deeply. For Las Palmas, the fight against relegation intensifies, while Real Sociedad looks to build on their success. The fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this gripping season.
