UD Las Palmas secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Villarreal this Saturday, with Kirian Rodríguez delivering a two-goal performance and debutant defender Juanma Herzog adding a late strike from a corner. The islanders sharpened their approach with maximum efficiency against a visibly unsettled opponent, creating a result that underscores their bid for permanence in La Liga.
Kirish Rodríguez opened the scoring in the eighth minute, capitalizing on a rare moment of control and a clean pocket of space. The home team capitalized on a slow start from Villarreal, and the early lead settled the mood in Gran Canaria. In the second half, Herzog’s anchored presence at the back translated into a dangerous attacking moment from a set piece. He swung the corner in and Kirian was there again to finish, sealing a memorable brace and lifting the crowd. The combination highlighted Las Palmas’ quick counter-attacks and sharp finishing whenever Villarreal’s defense crept forward.
The match began with Las Palmas maintaining cautious possession while Villarreal appeared hesitant, allowing the hosts to press high and disrupt the visitors’ rhythm. The opening goal came from a sequence involving Moleiro and Kirian, as the captain found space to shoot from mid-range and beat the goalkeeper, a moment that reflected the yellow team’s early confidence and composure. Villarreal’s defense was caught out by the pace and timing of Las Palmas’ forwards, particularly in those early minutes when pressure translated into a clear lead.
Villarreal attempted a reaction after the initial setback. Morales tested the keeper as he cut into the box in the 21st minute, while Parejo struck the crossbar in the 35th, and Gerard Moreno forced a save from the goalkeeper with a effort that carried more power than precision. By the 38th minute, Moreno found space and slipped past Las Palmas’ defense, but the chance did not culminate in a goal, leaving the game finely poised and still within reach for the away side.
After the break, Marcelino García Toral kept faith with his starting XI, but Las Palmas continued to impose their style. The turning point arrived from a well-delivered corner on the right. Sandro Ramírez delivered into a crowded box as Herzog rose to meet it, directing the ball toward the center of the goal. Kirian’s composed follow-up sealed his double and sent the crowd into rapture as confirmation of his ongoing good form. Herzog’s debut was marked by an emotional celebration, underscoring the significance of his first senior appearance and goal for the club.
The introduction of Norwegian striker Sörloth for Villarreal did not alter the trajectory of the match. Las Palmas managed to keep the visitors at bay, turning defense into a swift counter and maintaining control of the tempo. A late counterattack featured Valles starting the move, Marvin Park laying the groundwork along the baseline, and Kirian finishing with a precise shot to cap a flawless team effort. The goals, three in total, reflected Las Palmas’ purposeful game plan and their willingness to exploit transitions when Villarreal pressed high in search of a reply.
With the result sealed, the home side’s performance reinforced the impression that the club is moving toward mathematical safety from relegation. The victory also provided a much-needed boost after a difficult Copa del Rey result, illustrating the team’s resilience and capacity to bounce back quickly in league competition.
For Villarreal, the night highlighted the challenges of a demanding season and the need for broader contribution from all areas of the squad. The cup tie, which saw an early exit, added to the sense that the team must find consistency across competitions to navigate a testing campaign. The early damage in the league fixture served as a reminder that every match requires focus and application if Villarreal is to reverse its fortunes going forward.