Valencia travelled to Las Palmas on Monday night looking to win their third straight La Liga fixture.
Los Che took the lead in the 21st minute courtesy of a smart finish from Santi Mina, but Las Palmas were level in the latter stages of the first period when Jonathan Viera netted from distance.
Valencia's task was made harder early in the second period when Munir El-Haddadi picked up a red card and Las Palmas then scored twice in the space of three minutes through Mauricio Lemos and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Gran Canaria as Las Palmas welcome Valencia in what should be a very interesting battle. The home side are four places above Valencia in the table, but Los Che have won their last two in the league under the leadership of Voro. Stay tuned!
Valencia have won five of their last nine fixtures with Las Palmas in all competitions, but the Canary islanders have been victorious in the last two – including a 4-2 success at the Mestalla earlier this season. The Yellows also recorded a 2-1 victory in the corresponding match in this stadium last term.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news for this match. Las Palmas are believed to be very close to signing Paris Saint-Germain attacker Jese Rodriguez on loan, but there is no sign of the Spaniard tonight. Let's take a look at the two XIs in Gran Canaria...
TEAMS!
LAS PALMAS: Varas; Michel, Lemos, Bigas, D.Castellano; Montoro, Gomez, Mesa; Momo, Boateng, Viera
VALENCIA: Alves; Cancelo, Garay, Mangala, Gaya; Perez, Parejo, Soler; Nani, Mina, Munir
Las Palmas are without the services of key centre-back Aythami Artiles after the Spaniard was sent off in their 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna last time out. Hernan Perez is also still on the sidelines, but Alen Halilovic, signed on loan from Hamburg this month, is on the bench for the home side tonight. Jonathan Viera, Momo and Kevin-Prince Boateng will again start for the Yellows in a flexible front three.
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As for Valencia, new signing Simone Zaza is on the bench for the former Spanish champions. Voro has resisted the temptation to throw the Italian straight in, meaning that Santi Mina, Munir El-Haddadi and Nani continue in the final third. There is another start for 20-year-old midfielder Carlos Soler, while the visitors are unchanged at the back as Joao Cancelo and Jose Gaya continue in the two full-back positions.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Gran Canaria. I shall speak about the home side and their 2016-17 campaign a little bit later, but let's start with Valencia. There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a disastrous season to date, but Los Che will enter this match off the back of successive league wins over Espanyol and Villarreal.
Valencia are currently on their third manager of the season, with Pako Ayestaran and Cesare Prandelli both leaving following issues with the board. Voro, 53, has been handed the reigns until the end of the campaign and the former Spain international has led the team to successive wins in the league – following a 2-1 victory over Espanyol with a 2-0 success at Villarreal at El Madrigal last weekend.
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Things are finally starting to look up for Valencia, but they are still down in 15th position in the table, just six points clear of the relegation zone. The former Spanish champions are also a massive 15 points off the top six and it does appear that a mid-table finish is the best that they can hope for this season.
A record of five wins, four draws and nine defeats is an indication of Valencia's troubles this season, but they will fancy their chances of continuing their turnaround in form in the next couple of weeks. Indeed, after this one, they will host Eibar, before travelling to Real Betis on February 11. It is also worth remembering that they still have a game in hand over 19 of the other teams in the league, although that is against Real Madrid.
Valencia have not exactly been great on their travels this season, but they have collected more points away from home (11) than at the Mestalla (8). Their home form is actually among the worst in the entire division and they have only kept one clean sheet in their last 22 league matches, which is a concern.
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As for Las Palmas, the Yellows are one of only two teams in Spain's top flight to still be unbeaten on home soil this season. Quique Setien's side have won five and drawn five of their 10 home league fixtures, which is in contrast to their away form – winning just one of their nine games and collecting just five points.
The Yellows finished 11th during a very impressive 2015-16 La Liga campaign and they are on course for another year in Spain's top flight. Indeed, 25 points from their 19 matches has left them in 11th – 12 points clear of the relegation zone. They are actually also just seven points off the top seven.
Exciting news for Las Palmas as PSG attacker Jese Rodriguez heads for the club on loan...
Miguel Á. Ramírez: "@JeseRodriguez10 viene perdiendo muchísimo dinero pero ha preferido defender los colores de la #UDLasPalmas". — UD Las Palmas (@UDLP_Oficial) January 30, 2017
Despite the positives, Las Palmas have only won one of their last six in the league and were held to a 1-1 draw by Deportivo La Coruna in this stadium last time out. They also suffered a 5-0 defeat at Barcelona earlier this month, but in fairness, it has been a tough run of fixtures for Setien's team.
In terms of what is ahead for the Canary islanders, they will travel to Granada in their next league match on February 6, before hosting Sevilla one week later. The month then ends with games against Malaga (A) and Real Sociedad (H), before opening March with a trip to Real Madrid.
¡Media hora para el comienzo del último partido de la jornada!#LasPalmasValencia #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/19bvVzt9w7
— UD Las Palmas (@UDLP_Oficial) January 30, 2017
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. Las Palmas have been excellent at home this season, but Valencia will enter the match off the back of successive league wins. I have a feeling that we could be in for an entertaining game from Gran Canaria.
KICKOFF! Valencia kick things off in Gran Canaria...
... far from a full house inside the stadium tonight and in truth, there is not too much of an atmosphere. I am surprised with just how low the attendance is, but it is a school night I suppose.
You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Not too much to report in the opening four minutes of this match as both teams attempt to settle. Boateng is again playing as the central striker for Las Palmas, flanked by lively duo Viera and Momo.
It must be said that the pitch in this stadium is absolutely brilliant. Las Palmas have just started to move the ball across the surface in the last few minutes and Gaya has to come across to challenge Macedo in a wide position. The right-back might have delivered a little bit quicker there.
Las Palmas are the team on the front foot at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in forward positions, but Valencia have been nice and tight at the back so far. The pitch is very wet tonight and that is because the groundsman watered it before kickoff. Watered it, flooded it! Same thing!
Boateng has showed some nice touches in the last few moments as Las Palmas continue to probe in the final third, but we are still waiting for the first chance of the match with 11 minutes played. Not an awful lot from Valencia at the moment as their front three remain isolated in the final third.
CHANCE! Big chance for the away side as Gaya delivers a terrific cross towards the far post, but Munir can only head over the crossbar. Should have done better there!
Better from Valencia in the last couple of minutes as they continue to make ground in the final third. There is no question that there is more confidence about this Los Che team under Voro.
Las Palmas continue to play nice football, but they are not really threatening to make the breakthrough. Diego Alves has been unmoved between the sticks for the away side tonight.
Varas has to get down and collect a low cross from Cancelo as Valencia make ground down the right. More of a half-chance than anything else, but again it was good intent from the away side.
So, 20 minutes on the clock and we are still goalless in Gran Canaria. Valencia have had the best chance of the match, but Munir headed Gaya's cross over the crossbar. Boateng has been neat and tidy for Las Palmas in the centre-forward role, but no chances for the home side tonight.
Boateng is a touch fortunate to escape a booking following a late challenge on Mangala.
GOAL! Las Palmas 0-1 Valencia (Mina)
Valencia make the breakthrough in the 21st minute of this match as Gaya beats the offside trap before delivering a terrific low cross into Mina and the number 22 finds the back of the net!
Valencia continue sit sit deep and threaten on the counter-attack, while Las Palmas are struggling to pick their way through a stern defence. Viera attempts to go alone with a mazy run, but Cancelo is on hand to make the challenge. Mina's goal is the difference between the sides at the moment.
As it stands, Valencia are moving above Malaga into 14th position in the table. However, I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals tonight. Las Palmas have plenty of talent in the final third.
BOOKING! Nani (Valencia) is booked for a heavy challenge on Macedo.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and Valencia are pretty comfortable. Las Palmas continue to play decent football, but they are not really threatening to get behind Mangala and Garay. There is space though as Cancelo and Garay continue to make ground in the final third.
Lemos finds Boateng with a sweeping ball from the centre-back, but the number seven had moved too soon and the flag is raised. Valencia have held a really good line in the opening 32 minutes.
Boateng and Mangala tangle legs inside the Valencia box, but the referee is not interested. It was just a clean battle for the ball, but the home supporters are whistling the Spanish official.
CLOSE! Boateng makes use of a slip from Gaya and sends the ball towards goal, but his effort is just wide of the post. Boateng continues to look the most likely for the home side here.
Super challenge from Perez as the Valencia midfielder gets a foot on Viera's long-range strike.
It has been much better from the home side in the last couple of minutes as they continue to feed the ball into Boateng, but you just wonder whether they can stop Valencia scoring another down the other end. Indeed, the visitors are very dangerous when they have the space to counter-attack.
Mina again breaks clear of the Las Palmas defensive line, but Varas is quick off his line to make the clearance. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. For all Las Palmas' good work and possession, Diego Alves has been comfortable between the sticks.
Lemos challenges Mangala as Las Palmas deliver a couple of high balls into the Valencia box, but the referee blows for a free kick and the away side can settle down approaching the break.
GOAL! Las Palmas 1-1 Valencia (Viera)
Oh my word! What a goal! Las Palmas level the scores in the 42nd minute as Viera hammers one into the top corner from outside the box. It is a brilliant hit from the home side's captain.
BOOKING! Perez (Valencia) is booked for a late tackle on Viera.
Vicente Gomez sends a header just over the Valencia crossbar as Las Palmas threaten once again in what has been a lively last few minutes. It has been an excellent half of football here.
HALF-TIME: Las Palmas 1-1 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1 in Gran Canaria. Valencia took the lead in the 21st minute through Mina, but Las Palmas levelled in the 42nd minute courtesy of a super strike from Viera. It has been a very entertaining half of football.
STATISTICS! Las Palmas dominated the first-half possession with 61%, but they only managed one shot on target and that found the back of the net. Valencia, meanwhile, also managed just one shot on goal - Mina's opening strike in the 21st minute. Two bookings for the visitors - Nani and Perez.
BENCH WATCH! New signing Halilovic is on the bench for Las Palmas tonight, while Livaja and Tana are also available for the home side in the second period. Valencia, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Sito, Mario Suarez and new signing Zaza. Plenty of talent in reserve for both teams here.
RESTART! Las Palmas resume the action on home soil...
... VALENCIA SUB! Mario Suarez replaces Perez for the visitors.
CLOSE! Nani looks to pick out the bottom corner with a dipping effort and the Portuguese just misses the post. Varas was extremely worried when he scampered across goal!
It has been a lively start to the second period as both teams look to put a marker down. Las Palmas finished the first period very well, but Valencia have been dangerous in the last 60 seconds or so. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive.
BOOKING! Munir (Valencia) is booked for a foul on Castellano.
I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this match as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. It is Las Palmas' turn to enjoy some advanced possession.
RED CARD! MUNIR!
Valencia are reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute as Munir picks up a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Momo. It was a really poor tackle from the number nine.
CLOSE! Michel dances into the Las Palmas box and looks to pick out the top corner with a powerful strike, but his effort was always too high. Valencia are in trouble now.
Half-chance for Valencia as Nani delivers a super pass into Mina, but the striker's touch is poor and Lemos is across to make the challenge. This has been a super game of football and I expect the tempo to remain high as Las Palmas look to take advantage of Munir's red card.
Las Palmas have a free kick in a dangerous position as Soler fells Viera...
... GOAL! Las Palmas 2-1 Valencia (Lemos)
Oh my good grief! Stunning! Las Palmas take the lead just before the hour as Lemos curls a sensational free kick into the top corner. It is absolutely brilliant from the centre-back.
Still around 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals. Valencia are simply all over the place at the back here.
GOAL! Las Palmas 3-1 Valencia (Boateng)
Las Palmas score their third of the night as Mangala slips inside the Valencia box and Boateng is on hand to slide the ball into the bottom corner. Awful defending from the centre-back there.
LAS PALMAS SUB! Tana replaces Vicente Gomez for the home side.
BOOKING! Parejo (Valencia) is booked for dissent.
VALENCIA SUB! Debutant Zaza replaces Nani for Valencia.
Zaza's first involvement is to foul Bigas as Valencia's frustration continues. Las Palmas are not interested in sitting deep and closing out this match. The home side want more goals and Boateng, who has been excellent tonight, is very much in the mood. Still a solid 20 minutes to play here.
Zaza has at least brought some energy to Valencia's attack and the away side are still dangerous as they continue to commit their two full-backs forward. It has been a super game of football here.
LAS PALMAS SUB! Halilovic replaces Momo for the home side.
Still more than 15 minutes remaining in Gran Canaria and Las Palmas want more goals as they continue to put the pressure on Valencia's untidy defence. Boateng wants more goals tonight.
LAS PALMAS SUB! Viera is replaced by Livaja for the home side.
Varas has to push a long-range Mina effort over the crossbar, moments after Boateng tried his luck down the other end. Both teams want more goals as we enter the final 10 minutes here.
CHANCE! Mangala is free inside the Las Palmas box, but heads straight at Varas!
GOAL DISALLOWED! Zaza nets for Valencia, but he is well offside.
BOOKING! Mesa (Las Palmas) is booked for a late challenge on Suarez.
Valencia continue to threaten, but Cancelo's latest cross is cleared by Bigas. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match as we head for the final five minutes here.
Mesa charges Soler off the ball and Valencia have a free kick in a dangerous area...
... Parejo delivers into the far post, but Mangala's header is away from goal.
Valencia have another free kick in a dangerous area as Livaja fells Mina...
... VALENCIA SUB! Montoya replaces Soler for the away side.
Parejo fires his free kick straight into the stands.
Zaza crashes into the back of Macedo and Las Palmas have a free kick inside their own half as the clock continues to tick on. It is surely too late for Valencia to get anything from this match.
We are into the first of three additional minutes here.
FULL-TIME: Las Palmas 3-1 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Las Palmas running out 3-1 winners over 10-man Valencia in Gran Canaria. It was a very good game of football! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
