In a thrilling encounter on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Valencia CF emerged victorious against UD Las Palmas with a score of 3-2, marking a significant milestone for the team as they ended a 23-year winless streak in Gran Canaria. The match, held at the Gran Canaria Stadium, saw Hugo Duro shine brightly, scoring twice and leading his team to a crucial victory that virtually secures their place in the Primera División for next season.
The atmosphere was electric as Las Palmas fans welcomed their team with chants and flares, hoping to inspire a strong performance. However, the home side, coached by Diego Martínez, started the match sluggishly and without their star striker Fábio Silva, who was sidelined. Valencia, under the guidance of Carlos Corberán, took full advantage of the situation and came out with two strikers for the first time this season, a tactical shift that paid off handsomely.
Valencia opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Duro reacted quickly to a rebound in the box, slotting the ball home to give his side the early lead. Despite Valencia's dominance, Las Palmas finally found their footing and equalized just before halftime. In the second minute of stoppage time, Sandro converted a penalty awarded after a handball by Diego López, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
After halftime, Valencia returned with renewed intensity. Just 13 minutes into the second half, Duro struck again, netting his second goal of the match in the 58th minute. The visitors continued to press, and in the 75th minute, they extended their lead to 3-1 thanks to an own goal from Las Palmas defender Álex Suárez, who inadvertently redirected a cross into his own net.
However, the home team refused to back down. Oliver McBurnie brought Las Palmas back into contention with a goal in the 83rd minute, making it 3-2 and setting up a tense finish. The final nine minutes of added time saw Las Palmas pushing hard for an equalizer, but Valencia held firm, showcasing their resilience and determination to secure the win.
Diego Martínez, the Las Palmas coach, expressed his disappointment in the post-match press conference, acknowledging that the defeat "hurts" and that it was a crucial match that his team failed to capitalize on. He pointed out defensive errors, particularly highlighting the second goal by Valencia as a turning point. "The slope is steeper now, but the team is still alive; without playing well, we had chances to equalize, which was the bare minimum because we wanted to win," Martínez explained.
Martínez also addressed the condition of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who made his return to the squad after undergoing a delicate intestinal operation. "He’s not at 100% yet, and we appreciate the effort he’s made to be with the team in the squad," he said, emphasizing the importance of Cillessen's presence even if he wasn't fully fit.
As for Valencia, this victory not only secures their survival in the top flight but also boosts their confidence heading into the final stretch of the season. The team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge. Corberán's side showed that they can adapt and thrive under pressure, a quality that will be essential in the upcoming matches.
The match attracted an impressive crowd of 24,942 fans, all eager to witness the clash between the two sides. With this win, Valencia has taken a significant step towards solidifying their position in LaLiga, while Las Palmas must regroup quickly ahead of their next match against Rayo Vallecano on May 9, 2025.
As the season nears its conclusion, both teams will have much to play for. Valencia aims to continue their upward trajectory, while Las Palmas faces the daunting task of clawing their way back into contention for survival. The fight is far from over, and with each match, the stakes grow higher in this thrilling LaLiga season.
