The Estadio de Gran Canaria witnessed an unbeatable scenario for Las Palmas' sixth promotion to La Liga in their history.
After a journey filled with countless obstacles, the yellow team has finally achieved the dream they have been distant from for fourteen seasons, almost a lifetime.
The 3-1 result from the first leg at La Romareda was not an impediment for Paco Herrera's team to overcome their nerves and join in the celebration on the streets and in the stands, on the whole island. Goals from Roque in the first half and Araujo in the second secured the promotion for Las Palmas. Finally, UD tasted and lived their dream.
The first half began with all the accumulated tension from the crowd and on the field. The match script was as expected: yellow team attacking through combinations and Mañas countering. Paco Herrera's team put pressure on Bono's goal in the initial minutes, and he had to give his best to save a free kick taken by Viera. Willian José then responded with a run into the box, claiming a penalty. Zaragoza relieved some pressure. A corner kick bounced off the crossbar, cleared by Culio. Las Palmas realized that the Maños were also playing. The chant “Yes, we can” resounded louder than ever from the stands.
The first goal of the afternoon, the one of hope, was scored by Roque with an extraordinary shot. A ball stolen by Ángel in midfield provided Culio an opportunity to pass to the wing, where the homegrown player scored unchallenged.
After Las Palmas' goal, the intensity decreased until the end of the first half. Timid attempts from both sides, while preparing for the second and decisive half.
The second half held no surprises. Las Palmas sought the Zaragoza goal, and Popovic's team tried to seal the deal on the counter. Herrera's players stepped up their game. Bono saved Viera's second goal attempt and then Araujo's, who scored twice but had the goals disallowed. There was hope in Gran Canaria with half an hour remaining. Zaragoza was playing with fire. David García hit the crossbar from a corner kick. The promotion goal was getting closer.
In the final minutes, UD besieged Zaragoza, driven by their urgency to score. But the miracle could only come from the boots of their top scorer. Araujo acrobatically scored the goal of hope and unleashed all the excitement to be among the greats in the next season.