At 1:00 AM on August 26th, Leganés will host Las Palmas in the second round of the 2024/25 La Liga season. Both teams drew their opening matches. Leganés drew 1-1 with Osasuna, while Las Palmas drew 2-2 with Sevilla. While neither side earned a victory in their first match, the draws were acceptable results.
Leganés, a newly promoted team, ceded possession against Osasuna in the first round, opting for a counter-attacking approach. With just under 40% possession, they generated 10 shots, three of which were on target and resulted in a goal. To some extent, luck was on their side as Osasuna struck the frame twice, and their goalkeeper, Soriano, made a number of remarkable saves. Earning a draw was fortunate.
The match between Las Palmas and Sevilla was an exciting encounter. Both teams exchanged goals, contributing four in total, including an own goal apiece. Las Palmas had 15 attempts, three fewer than Sevilla, with five shots on target, equal to their opponents. On the pitch, the two teams were clearly evenly matched, with both having chances to win the game.
During the summer transfer window, Leganés made minor adjustments to their squad. They purchased striker De la Fuente from Alavés for €2 million and winger Cruz from Real Betis for €1 million, adding seven more players on free transfers. Operating on a limited budget, a conservative transfer strategy is more conducive to their goal of establishing themselves in La Liga. Manager Jiménez faces significant pressure, as he has a limited squad. To make their mark in a competitive league like La Liga, they will need a lot of luck.
In contrast, Las Palmas didn’t make major moves, maintaining a €3.5 million surplus. They bought midfielder Park from Real Madrid’s B team, signed winger Foster from Albacete for €1.5 million, and acquired goalkeeper Sillesen from Nijmegen for €500,000. They also sold Coco to Torino for €7.5 million. Manager Miguel largely retained the same starting lineup from last season, making reinforcements in only a few positions. Last season, Las Palmas was certainly impressive, but to rely on one strong tactic throughout the new season is unrealistic.
According to statistics, the two teams have met 30 times, with each winning eight times and drawing 14. The majority of these encounters took place in the Segunda División. In their last five matches, Leganés has won once, drawn once, and lost three times, highlighting their significant disadvantage. The head-to-head results largely reflect the longstanding perception of the two teams’ strength. After all, Las Palmas has been crowned Segunda División champions four times, while Leganés has achieved this feat only once.
Leganés, newly arrived in La Liga this season, is still adjusting to the intensity of the league. They still need some time to solidify their survival strategy. Their first match revealed some tentativeness, a clear sign of acclimatization. Las Palmas, after a season of experience, appears much more composed. However, according to Spanish media, Leganés and Las Palmas are two of several teams considered strong contenders for relegation. Of course, the season is long, and drawing conclusions prematurely is unwise. If this match is viewed as a preview of a crucial relegation battle, then it will provide a valuable opportunity to assess who is more likely to stay in La Liga.
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