Las Palmas pip Valladolid in thriller

Las Palmas prevailed on away goals against nine-man Real Valladolid to book their place in the Segunda playoff final, despite a missed penalty.

The Canary Islands outfit drew the first leg 1-1 and held out for a stalemate on Saturday, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Las Palmas had the best of the chances, with the likes of Jonathan Viera and top goalscorer Sergio Araujo – formerly of Barcelona – forcing Javi Varas into action.

It looked to be a game which Paco Herrera’s men would later rue for their profligacy, but their task was dealt a huge boost with Hernan Perez’s dismissal for two yellow cards on 72 minutes.

Araujo, meanwhile, continued to squander opportunities, even missing a penalty just a minute shy of 90, despite Varas’ being shown red for bringing the Argentine down in the box.

Nonetheless, Las Palmas – looking to end a 13-year absence from La Liga – will now face either Girona or Zaragoza, the Catalans 3-0 up on away goals, in the playoff final.

The two-legged final will commence on Wednesday, with the second match scheduled four days later.

Image courtesy @UDLP_Oficial via Twitter.