Las Palmas welcomed Valencia to Gran Canaria on Thursday for the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.
The tie was delicately poised ahead of the return match following a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week.
Valencia took the lead on the night in the 20th minute when Rodrigo turned home from close range, however, and that proved to be the difference as Los Che booked their spot in the semi-finals.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from Gran Canaria as Las Palmas welcome Valencia for the second leg of their quarter-final. The tie is currently delicately poised following a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla last week and elimination for the visitors would place more pressure on Gary Neville, who has struggled for results since taking charge of Los Che at the start of last month.
Before this season, these two sides had not met since the 2001-02 campaign, when Valencia won both La Liga matches 1-0. There was then a 13-year gap before the pair met at the Mestalla in the league back in November, where Las Palmas managed a 1-1 draw. Neither team has particularly impressed in the league this season, but Valencia have been the bigger disappointment, of that there is no doubt.
An own-goal from Wilfried Zahibo saw Las Palmas take a 1-0 lead in the first half of the first leg last week, but Paco Alcacer hit back just past the hour to ensure that Valencia would take a draw into the return. Los Che are the favourites to advance from this tie, but it is difficult to know which Valencia will turn up at the moment. On paper, Valencia should win, but that is far from certain.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Gran Canaria. It is a massive game for both of these teams and the lineups reflect that...
TEAMS:
LAS PALMAS: Lizoain; Nili, Aythami, Garcia, Garrido; Culio, Mesa; Viera, Tana, Momo; Willian
VAL: Ryan; Barragan, Mustafi, Abdennour, Gaya; Parejo, Perez, Gomes; Rodrigo, Negredo, Piatti
So there we have it. Willian Jose, who has been in good form in recent weeks, once again leads the line for Las Palmas and the Brazilian will be supported by Momo and Jonathan Viera in the wide positions. There is also a spot for Tana, while Nili continues at right-back ahead of David Simon.
As for Valencia, head coach Gary Neville has recalled Argentine midfielder Enzo Perez to his XI, while Pablo Piatti and Rodrigo Moreno are chosen in the wide positions either side of the lone striker Alvaro Negredo. Paco Alcacer misses out altogether due to injury, making this arguably Los Che's strongest available side. As expected, it is once again a 4-3-3 formation for the former Spanish champions.
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So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now little under 40 minutes from kickoff in the Canary islands. Valencia are seven-time winners of the Copa del Rey, but have not lifted the trophy since 2008. It will not come as much of a surprise that Las Palmas have never actually won the competition, but they did reach the final in 1978 – losing 3-1 to Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
In terms of this competition, Las Palmas overcame Real Sociedad in the round of 32, before beating Eibar 6-4 on aggregate in the last round. Somewhat surprisingly, the yellows have actually won six of their last nine games in the Copa and lost just once. Valencia, meanwhile, overcame Barakaldo in the round of 32, before thumping Granada 7-0 on aggregate in the round of 16.
Las Palmas will enter this match off the back of a 3-2 defeat to Levante in the league on Monday night. That result left Quique Setien's side in 19th position in the table and they are now just one point above Levante. It is very tight at the bottom, however, with Granada and Rayo Vallecano also very much in the mix as the season continues to gather pace. A spot in the Copa semi-finals would be an excellent achievement, but Las Palmas' main priority this season is attempting to remain in La Liga.
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The Canary Islanders gained promotion to the top flight after advancing through the Segunda Division playoffs last season and this is their first campaign of La Liga football since the 2001-02 season. The Yellows actually played Segunda B football (third tier in Spain) between 2004 and 2006, but managed to return to the second tier before re-joining La Liga for the start of this season.
While Las Palmas are struggling, their recent record in all competitions is actually quite strong. Setien's side have only lost three of their last nine games in across the board, although two of those have come in their last three matches. They also have some tough games to come over the next couple of weeks – facing Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Barcelona in three of their next four in the league.
As for Valencia, it has been far from plain sailing for Gary Neville thus far. The former Manchester United defender watched on from the stands as Valencia drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the league at the start of December, but the 40-year-old is still waiting for his first league win. In total, Neville has taken charge of 12 official matches and his record reads: won three, drawn six and lost three. It is far from disastrous, but all three of those victories have come in this competition.
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Los Che needed a late Negredo header to secure a point at Deportivo La Coruna in the league at the weekend, making it three consecutive draws for the former Spanish champions. A total of 25 points from 21 matches has left them in 11th position in the La Liga table and they are actually only seven points outside of the relegation zone. Now I am not for one minute suggesting that they will be dragged into a relegation battle, but it has been a poor season in the league.
A top-four finish was expected when Gary Neville took control at the start of last month, but as it stands, Valencia are 16 points off fourth-place Villarreal and also nine points from fifth-place Celta Vigo. They have only won five of their 21 league matches this season, which is the same as the likes of Real Betis, Granada and Rayo Vallecano, and just one more than Las Palmas.
Valencia have quickly become the draw specialists in Spain and 2-2, 3-3 etc. would be enough to see them advance into the semi-finals tonight on away goals. The league has been a bit of a write-off, but if Gary Neville could find a way of winning the Copa and challenging for the Europa League title, then it could still go down as a successful campaign. Kickoff is fast approaching at the Estadio Gran Canaria.
Valencia will have fond memories of their last away match in this competition – a 3-0 victory over Granada in the last round. They have only won two of their last eight on the road in all competitions, however, and elimination tonight is a real possibility. Right, prediction time...
PREDICTION! I fancy Valencia to advance into the semi-finals. It has not quite happened for Los Che this season, but I look at their XI tonight and there is enough quality to win this match and indeed advance into the final four. My score prediction is 2-1 Valencia (3-2 on aggregate).
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A reminder of the two teams for tonight...
LAS PALMAS: Lizoain; Nili, Aythami, Garcia, Garrido; Culio, Mesa; Viera, Tana, Momo; Willian
VAL: Ryan; Barragan, Mustafi, Abdennour, Gaya; Parejo, Perez, Gomes; Rodrigo, Negredo, Piatti
KICKOFF! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Let's hope for an entertaining game in Gran Canaria! It is the hosts that kick things off tonight...
... far from a full house tonight, but there is a decent atmosphere inside the stadium. Valencia look forward in the first phase as Parejo delivers a pass towards Negredo, but it runs away from the striker and Liazon is out to collect. You sense that Valencia will be looking for a fast start here.
Nervous moment for Valencia goalkeeper Ryan as the Australian goes up with Willian and does not claim the ball until the second time of asking. There was no whistle from the referee, who has let a couple of challenges go in the opening four minutes. It has been a fast-paced start here.
Andre Gomes has not been shy in getting forward for Valencia in the opening six minutes and a cross from Barragan is almost met by the Portuguese inside the Las Palmas box. Gary Neville had been on the touchline since the start, but he sits back down as this match begins to settle.
Pablo Piatti shows his incredible turn of foot as he races past David Garcia down the left, but the Las Palmas defender just manages to get a toe on the ball and clear for a corner. Valencia have started the brighter here, but we are still waiting for the first real opportunity of the second leg.
Both sides are just struggling to get things going in the final third at the moment, with neither Negredo nor Willian having a serious impact in the opening 10 minutes. You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be crucial in terms of the outcome of the tie.
Momo shows super feet on the edge of the Valencia box before attempting to slide a pass into Willian, but Ryan is quick off his line to claim. Super idea and excellent skill from Momo there.
CHANCE! Valencia create the first serious chance of the match as Gaya picks out Negredo at the far post, but the striker's powerful effort is just wide of the post! Should have done better!
Willian breaks through on goal for the home side before rounding Ryan, but the goalkeeper just does enough to delay the striker and the cross back into the Valencia box is bundled clear!
SAVE! Willian's powerful free kick is straight into Ryan's arms.
This match is just starting to warm up as both teams commit players in the final third of the field. Las Palmas, Willian in particular, have started to cause Valencia some problems at the back.
Parejo stands over a free kick outside the Las Palmas box, but he puts too much weight on the cross and Lizoain is on hand to claim. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock in Gran Canaria.
GOAL! Las Palmas 0-1 Valencia (Rodrigo)
Valencia make the breakthrough in the 20th minute as Barragan races down the right before delivering low into Rodrigo and the attacker simply pokes the ball into the back of the net!
Andre Gomes tries his luck from distance after finding space outside the Las Palmas box, but his effort just moves wide of Lizoain's post. All Valencia at the moment with 23 minutes played.
As it stands, Valencia would be progressing through to the semi-finals courtesy of a 2-1 win on aggregate, but one goal for Las Palmas would level us up. Indeed, 1-1 is the only score tonight which would bring extra-time. Las Palmas have just managed to regain control of the possession here.
Super work from Momo as the Las Palmas attacker drives into the Valencia box before looking for the bottom corner, but his effort is just deflected wide of the post. Dangerous again!
Hardly time to catch your breath at the moment as this match swings from end-to-end. Las Palmas come close through Momo and Valencia are straight down the other end with Rodrigo, who wins a corner after failing to find Negredo with a cross. Very open game at the moment here.
Andre Gomes continues to get forward for Valencia and the midfielder again meets a cross from the right, but his effort was always moving away from goal. Super game of football tonight.
The offside flag saves Las Palmas as Barragan breaks forward once again and looks to find Rodrigo inside the box once again. The home side are just struggling to get things going in the final third, with Willian having to battle Mustafi and Abdennour each time they break forward.
SCRAMBLE! A dangerous free kick causes all sorts of problems inside the Valencia box, but the white shirts combine to clear down-field. Bit of pin-ball inside the area there!
BOOKING! Piatti (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Nili.
CLOSE! The skipper David Garcia rises highest to meet a Momo free kick, but his header is just over the Valencia crossbar. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining here!
It has been a decent response from Las Palmas, but Valencia have so much pace on the counter and have shown that avenue to be threatening tonight. The counter always seems to be on.
Mesa, Momo and Parejo all have their handbags out following a collision, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings and present the home side with another free kick. So many set pieces!
This time Momo over-cooks it and Valencia have possession with a goal kick.
CHANCE! Negredo is through for Valencia and attempts to poke the ball past the Las Palmas stopper, but his effort was never reaching the goal. It might well have been a pass for Piatti.
BOOKING! Barragan (Valencia) is booked for an elbow on Tana.
BOOKING! Viera (Las Palmas) is booked for dissent.
Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and Valencia still lead on the night courtesy of that close-range finish from Rodrigo. As it stands, Los Che are advancing into the semis.
SAVE! Lizoain is forced to push a wonderful Parejo free kick over the crossbar!
The resulting corner is met by Mustafi, but his header is wide of the post.
BOOKING! Mesa (Las Palmas) is booked for a late challenge on Piatti.
HALF-TIME: Las Palmas 0-1 Valencia (1-2 on aggregate)
BOOKING! Culio (Las Palmas) is booked after the whistle for dissent!
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Valencia leading 1-0 on the night courtesy of a smart finish from Rodrigo, who turned a Barragan cross into the back of the net in the 20th minute. Las Palmas have had their moments in the final third of the field, but Ryan has been solid between the sticks. It has also been a very feisty game in terms of challenges!
STATISTICS! Valencia have dominated the possession with 59%, while they have had six attempts - two of which have been on target. Las Palmas, meanwhile, have also had six attempts, but managed just one on target. Five yellow reports to report - three for Las Palmas and two for Valencia.
BENCH WATCH! Las Palmas boss Setien does not have too many attacking options on his bench tonight, but both Wakaso and Valeron are available in midfield. Valencia, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Bakkali, Danilo, Zahibo and fit-again Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli.
So far so good for this man, who can afford a smile...
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RESTART! Both sets of players have re-joined us on the pitch for the second period. Can Las Palmas respond on home soil? We shall see! The visitors resume the action in Gran Canaria...
... no changes from either manager at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both Setien and Neville will have alterations in mind for the second period. Just a reminder that a Las Palmas goal would level this tie up at 2-2 and force extra-time tonight.
Half-chance for the home side as Willian curls one towards the bottom corner, but Ryan gets down well to make the save. Already a better tempo to Las Palmas' work since the restart.
Another half-chance for Las Palmas, this time for Momo, who strikes one from the edge of the box, but again it is pretty comfortable for Ryan, who has been solid between the sticks tonight.
You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. Valencia do not look too secure at the back, but they have such a threat on the counter. The same can be said for the hosts!
Lizoain is called into action for the home side to keep out a volley from Negredo.
BOOKING! Artiles (Las Palmas) is booked for a late challenge on Perez.
CHANCE! Big chance for Valencia to score a second as Gaya races down the left before delivering towards Negredo, but the striker's route is blocked by Artiles. Good defending!
Jose Gaya has been very impressive for Valencia tonight and the left-back continues to impress in a wide position as he beats two defenders before delivering, but Garcia is on hand to clear!
CHANCE! It is a massive chance for 2-0 Valencia as Rodrigo is released into the Las Palmas box, but the attacker can only lift his effort over Lizoain and over the crossbar!
SAVE! Stunning stop from Ryan to keep out Momo down the other end!
It is all happening at the moment, with both teams creating excellent chances. Valencia are still ahead on the night and indeed in the tie, but one goal for Las Palmas would level us up here.
LAS PALMAS SUB! Dani Castellano replaces Garrido.
VALENCIA SUB! Feghouli replaces Piatti for the away side.
Another half-chance for the home team as Willian steps past a couple of Valencia defenders before attempting to beat Ryan, but once again, the goalkeeper makes a smart save.
Little over 20 minutes of this second leg remaining - normal time at least - and Valencia still lead 1-0 on the night and 2-1 in the tie. Viera comes close to meeting another through pass as the home team threaten once again, but everything seems to be falling for the visitors at the moment.
The referee has been quick to whistle in the last couple of minutes and the majority of the decisions have gone to Las Palmas, much to the frustration of Gary Neville on the sidelines.
BOOKING! Gomes (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Mesa.
VALENCIA SUB! Perez is replaced by Danilo.
The home fans are doing their best to raise their team from the stands, but Valencia have just started to take control of the possession once again. I still think there is another goal in this match!
Valencia's spell with the ball did not last long and it is the home side really pressing forward as we enter the final 15 minutes of normal time. The visitors are dropping deeper and deeper here!
Valencia are doing enough at the moment, but Las Palmas are refusing to drop their level and they have been on the front foot for some time now. Another home sub is about to happen...
... LAS PALMAS SUB! Wakaso replaces the dangerous Momo.
Valencia are putting their bodies on the line here, but Las Palmas are just camped outside the away side's box and will fancy their chances of creating at least one more big chance here.
Danilo goes up with Mesa in the middle of the park and both players are left on the deck. The decision goes to Las Palmas, which for me is quite harsh. Valencia have not had much help from the referee! It appears that the home side are preparing to make their third and final change here.
LAS PALMAS SUB! Mesa is replaced by Montoro.
Valencia just cannot keep the ball here. Gary Neville must be pulling his hair out!
SAVE! Viera stands over a free kick outside the Valencia box, but his effort is saved by Ryan! More good goalkeeping from the Australian, who has made a number of smart stops tonight.
Not long left in this match, but one goal for Las Palmas at this stage would force extra-time and I would not mind seeing some of that. It has been a very entertaining game of football here!
BOOKING! Rodrigo (Valencia) is booked for dissent.
Andre Gomes puts out a fire as Las Palmas threaten to counter and Valencia manage to waste more time with a period of possession. The visitors are not too far away from the semis.
BOOKING! Mustafi (Valencia) is booked for a poor tackle on Viera.
Wakaso stands over the resulting free kick, but fires into the stands!
Three additional minutes!
Las Palmas continue to press forward, but time is running out and Valencia are closing on a spot in the semi-finals. Perhaps one final chance, but the home side will need to be quick!
CHANCE! What a chance! Las Palmas have a golden opportunity to level as Aythami meets a cross at the far post, but he somehow heads wide of the goal. That was the opportunity!
FULL-TIME: Las Palmas 0-1 Valencia (1-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Valencia hold on to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. Las Palmas will feel that they should have at least forced extra-time, but Gary Neville can celebrate a spot in the final four. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
