Copa Del Rey
Osasuna 2-0 Las Palmas
(first round 1st leg)
Las Palmas stunned by lively Osasuna!
You would have to say that Mendieta may come to regret the raft of changes he made in this cup tie, with a first round exit now a distinct possibility. First team regulars Halilovic, Linetty, Lemos and Hysaj were all rested. Attacking midfielder Tannane was given his first start of season. Whilst Gomez, Bigas and Castellano all started too.
Osasuna made their mark through Coris in the 14th minute, in what was a bright attacking opening from the home side. Osasuna broke down the right and Quique hung a ball up at the back post where left winger Sebas Coris came steaming in to leap highest and head down into the net and out of Bernardoni’s grasp.
Provider turned scorer in the 44th minute with Quique getting the rub of the green to tuck away a loose ball. Xisco’s tame shot had hit the underside of Bigas and bounced into the path of the striker. Bernardoni had no chance from eight yards.
Las Palmas 2 (2) - (2) 0 Osasuna
(First Round 2nd leg)
Las Palmas record a first victory of the season (in any competition) and squeeze through to the next round on penalties.
Ruben Neves peach of a strike midway through the first half gave Las Palmas hope of overturning the two goal deficit from the first leg. An important first goal for his new club;
Recently placed on the transfer list, Loic Remy has still gone about his work professionally, enough to be trusted with substitute cameo’s by Mendieta. This time it paid off big time! The substitute combined beautifully with Viera and Halilovic deep inside Osasuna’s final third. Halilovic’s back heel gifting the French forward enough space to prod the ball past the keeper. All square in the 89th minute to take the match to extra time.
Extra time flew by without incident, leaving the result of this match down to penalties.
Lemos, Viera, Halilovic and Gomez all tucked away their spot kicks leaving Bernardoni the chance to shine. The young goalkeeper becoming the hero, saving Quique’s spot kick low down and then putting off Oier just enough for the player to hit the outside of the right hand post!
Well. What a turnaround for Mendieta’s boys. A first victory of the season couldn’t have come at a better time. The big boys, Real Madrid to come in the second round!