UD Las Palmas wrapped up their preseason with a prestigious draw against Liverpool FC (0-0) in a match that served as a general rehearsal for the start of the 2024-25 League. The eighth friendly was used to assess the players’ condition, the understanding of the system, and to check the first minutes of Scott McKenna wearing the club’s colors.
Las Palmas approached the match with confidence, establishing their operational field in Liverpool’s half from the start. Moleiro was the first yellow player to test a shot. He attempted twice in the first 10 minutes, but failed to surprise the defense and goalkeeper Kelleher.
The friendly balanced out in the following minutes, with Gakpo also having a good opportunity. The play was thwarted by Cillessen’s intervention, who caught the rival attacker’s shot when the clock hit the 15th minute.
Luis Carrión’s players generated concern again for their opponent during a set piece from a corner kick. The final shot was from Alex Suárez, but goalkeeper Kelleher denied the goal by blocking the Gran Canaria player’s shot on the line. There were no dividends on the scoreboard, but the designed action was executed with precision.
The first half was marked by equality, and in this period, another ball hit the crossbar of Las Palmas’ rival. The move developed with an advance and a cross from the right by Marvin Park. Defender Robertson headed to avoid a shot, but the ball flew to the top of the crossbar before ending in a corner.
The first period ended in a goalless draw with possession and chances evenly distributed for both teams in the empty stands of Anfield Road.
The match continued along similar lines for some minutes in the second period. However, once again a new hit on the woodwork was heard. This time it was local player Elliott, with a hard shot that hit Cillessen’s post.
The UD Las Palmas goalkeeper had more work in the second period, especially after the wave of substitutions past the hour mark. Liverpool players sought the goal, forcing their rivals into a sacrificial retreat. But they could not alter the scoreline.
However, the final great opportunity of the match was for the Canarians. Kirian found a path for Benito, and the local player placed a precise ball into the area. However, Iván Gil failed to connect with the shot when he was already in front of Kelleher with only 3 minutes left until the conclusion.
Lineups:
Liverpool: Kelleher, Endo, Konate, Nuñez, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, Robertson, Phillips, Doak and Braedley
Substitutes: Davies (gk), Scanlon, Gordon, Nallo, Van der Berg, Morton and Blair
Las Palmas: Cillessen, Marvin Park, Alex Suárez, Mika Mármol, Alex Muñoz, Kirian, Javi Muñoz, Loiodice, Moleiro, Juan Mata and McBurnie
On at 46: Manu Fuster and Iván Gil for Mata and Javi Muñoz
In the 70th minute, Marc Cardona, Enrique Clemente, McKenna, Valentín, Benito, Campaña and Juanma Herzog came on for McBurnie, Park, Loiodice, Alex Muñoz, Alex Suárez, Mika Mármol and Moleiro
Goals: None