Struggling Valladolid Faces Las Palmas in Crucial LaLiga Showdown

VALLADOLID, Spain — Real Valladolid will clash with UD Las Palmas in a critical LaLiga showdown at José Zorrilla Stadium on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 9:00 PM local time, as both teams grapple with pressing relegation threats.

Currently anchored at the bottom of the LaLiga table, Valladolid is in dire straits, having gone six consecutive matches without a victory, including a disheartening 7-1 defeat to Athletic Club over the weekend. With only 15 points, they sit eight points adrift of safety, signaling an urgent need for a turnaround against Las Palmas, who also find themselves in a precarious position with just 23 points.

UD Las Palmas arrives at this matchup following a tough defeat to FC Barcelona, where they lost 2-0 despite showing flashes of potential. Their head coach, Diego Martínez, is keen to secure a much-needed win, having not seen his team triumph in their last seven matches.

This encounter serves as a rematch from their earlier meeting this season, where Las Palmas triumphed 2-1. Both sides are eyeing this fixture as a potential pivot point in their seasons as they strive to avoid moving down to the Segunda División.

In terms of logistics for the match, the officiating will be handled by Bilbaine referee Alberola Rojas, with Mateo Busquets Ferrer monitoring VAR.

The significance of this matchup is underscored by the teams’ recent performances. Valladolid’s coach, Álvaro Rubio, emphasized the importance of fan support, stating, “I ask for everyone’s support for those who will come to Zorrilla.” His team’s home ground advantage is apparent, as Valladolid has historically dominated Las Palmas at home, winning 13 of their past 14 encounters in LaLiga.

However, injuries and suspensions complicate matters for both teams. Valladolid will be without Mamadou Sylla, ruled out due to a jaw fracture, alongside Joseph Aidoo, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and the suspended Stanko Jurić. Las Palmas may also face challenges, with players like Marc Cardona and Andy Pelmard battling minor injuries, while star player Kirian Rodríguez is out for medical treatment.

As for the statistics, Valladolid remains underperforming, managing only one point from their last 21, while Las Palmas has yet to secure a victory in 2025. Both coaches realize the ramifications of another failure and the mental toll it could impose on their players.

With the stakes this high, fans can expect an intensely competitive match, as both teams know that failure to collect points could severely hinder their chances of survival in Spain’s top flight. The kickoff is just around the corner, and the tension is palpable.