Las Palmas: Relegation candidates defying expectations
Girona may be flying high at the top of LaLiga, but they are not the only side punching above their weight.
Having racked up 31 points from 12 matches, surprise leaders Girona are deservedly making all the headlines. But, while Míchel’s high-flying charges continue to write the story of the 2023/24 season, perhaps, a chapter can be spared for another team defying expectations – García Pimienta’s resolute Las Palmas side.
Competing in their first top-flight season since 2017/18, the return to the big stage seemingly brought out the nerves, as Las Palmas stumbled out of the gates and struggled to find their footing. Though the games were close, a failure to find the net saw García Pimienta’s troops muster just two points from their opening five league games, leaving them in 19th position and just one point above bottom-placed Almería.
Even though they finally ended their wait for a win with a 1-0 victory over Granada, a defeat to Real Madrid ensured they entered October in the relegation zone. But as the month changed, so did Las Palmas’ fortunes. They mounted a remarkable turnaround from obvious relegation candidates to a strong mid-table outfit, courtesy of four 2-1 victories in five league games.
Their impressive spell of form was kickstarted by a dramatic comeback win over Celta Vigo, before they dispatched Villarreal to claim their first away victory of the season. However, just as they were starting to gain speed, a Rayo Vallecano-shaped obstacle threatened to halt their growing momentum. But rather than wilt following a narrow defeat to Los Franjirrojos, Las Palmas bounced back to beat basement side Almería thanks to Sory Kaba’s 94th-minute winner.
Although three victories in four games would have certainly inspired confidence, all three of those wins took place against teams currently in the bottom half of the table, raising a question as to whether Las Palmas could trouble the elite. Well, they certainly delivered an emphatic answer in Friday’s home clash against Atlético Madrid – a side that had lost just once in 14 league games prior to their visit to Estadio Gran Canaria.
The hosts had also failed to win in their previous eight competitive home meetings with Atleti (D2, L6) ahead of the contest. However, it was not a statistic that frightened Las Palmas, as they produced a fine display to beat Atlético on home turf for the first time since 1987. While they may be second in the possession charts in the top flight, it was actually their pressure without the ball that made the crucial difference.
First, Antoine Griezmann was punished for losing possession in his own half, allowing the hosts to work the ball to Kirian Rodríguez, who drilled a long-range shot into the bottom corner. Javi Muñoz then pounced on a poor pass from Mario Hermoso, creating a 5 v 3 situation in Las Palmas’ favour. Munir collected the ball and chose the opportune moment to tee up Benito to fire in at the near post. The in-form Álvaro Morata may have pulled a goal back late on, but the hosts held firm to claim a surprise result.
Las Palmas have now made their best start to a LaLiga campaign since 2000/01 when they also took 17 points from 12 games. On that occasion, they finished in 11th spot, and a similar position this term would represent significant success. Impressively, the 10th-placed side have now put 10 points between themselves and the drop zone, while they are only three points adrift of the top six.
They may not win any entertainment awards with their matches producing 1.75 goals per game – the lowest average in the league. But, with the solid base of the joint second-best defensive record in the top flight, García Pimienta has assembled a side capable of competing in LaLiga.
The challenge now is to turn this purple patch into a consistent barrage of positive results. Back-to-back trips to El Sadar and the Benito Villamarín may provide an answer as to whether this red-hot form is a flash in the pan or just the appetiser for a memorable campaign.