The Sports Union Topples the Leader

Las Palmas overturned the deficit in three minutes with Mika Mármol as starter, as the protagonist

UD Las Palmas knocked out Racing de Santander, leader of LaLiga Hypermotion, with a solid and well‑worked 3‑1 victory, having to come back in the first half from an early goal by the mountain side team.

The suffocating pressure of the island team did not allow its rival to maneuver throughout the match, although Racing took the lead from a set piece: Andrés Martín delivered a free kick from the left that was crossed to Villalibre, who headed it powerfully into the net.

However, Las Palmas turned the tide in just three minutes, with Mika Mármol—returning as a starter—playing the starring role. The first equaliser came from a long free kick taken by Manu Fuster; the ball slipped into the net amid goalkeeper Ezkieta’s indecision.

The second goal arrived when the Catalan centre‑back headed a cross from Enrique Clemente and collided with Facu González, opening a wound that required more than five minutes of on‑field treatment. The visiting defender suffered a milder injury but had to be substituted at halftime due to a concussion.

It was surprising that while Luis García gathered his players on the sideline to give instructions while Mármol was being treated, José Alberto López left his side in the centre of the field chewing on the conceded goal.

The Catalan defender’s injury was not as serious as the one Racing endured. During the extended stoppage time of the first half, Racing suffered another setback: a left‑side cross from Pejiño was headed by Ale García into the second post, ahead of Mario García.

Unable to overcome Las Palmas’ pressure on the opponent’s ground, the Cantabrian side could not get into the points race during the second half, despite having isolated chances in the final stretch.

The three simultaneous substitutions made by Racing’s coach in the 57th minute did not solve their problems in escaping the pressure of the yellow team, which was reduced to ten men after Enzo Loiodice was sent off for a second yellow card.

Except for a shot from the Gran Canaria native Juan Carlos Arana that Dinko Horkas saved with his fingertips, the home side managed its comfortable lead to secure three points and stake a claim for direct promotion.

Technical details

• UD Las Palmas (3‑1):

  • Goalkeeper: Horkas
  • Defenders: Viti (substituted by Cristian Gutiérrez, 78’), Sergio Barcia, Mika Mármol, Enrique Clemente
  • Midfielders: Loiodice, Amatucci (substituted by Cedeño, 86')
  • Attackers: Ale García (substituted by Jesé Rodríguez, 86’), Manu Fuster (substituted by Marvin Park, 69’), Pejiño (substituted by Iván Gil, 69')
  • Forward: Lukovic (substituted by Kirian, 78')

• Racing de Santander (0‑3):

  • Goalkeeper: Ezkieta
  • Defenders: Michelin, Pablo Ramón, Facu González (substituted by Javi Castro, 46’), Mario García
  • Midfielders: Maguette Gueye (substituted by Suleiman, 57’), Puerta (substituted by Sangalli, 84')
  • Attackers: Andrés Martín (substituted by Yeray, 67’), Jeremy Arévalo, Canales (substituted by Sergio Martínez, 57')
  • Forward: Villalibre (substituted by Arana, 57')

• Goals:

  • 0‑1, 13’ – Villalibre
  • 1‑1, 37’ – Mika Mármol
  • 2‑1, 40’ – Mika Mármol
  • 3‑1, 45+9’ – Ale García

• Referee: Etayo Herrera (Basque Country Committee). Sent off local player Loiodice for two yellow cards (56’ and 82’). Also cautioned Pejiño, Cedeño, Iván Gil, and visitor Puerta (5).

• Incidents:

  • Thirteenth round of LaLiga Hypermotion 2025‑2026 played on Sunday at Estadio de Gran Canaria before 21,496 spectators.
  • A minute of silence was observed in memory of Leopoldo Santana Cabrera, former UD Las Palmas executive, and Luis Helguera Lanza, father of the club’s sporting director.
  • The ceremonial kick‑off was performed by Gran Canaria athlete Carlos Gimeno, world‑ranked number one in high jump.
  • Both teams were allowed a sixth substitution due to head injuries.