Cadiz CF 1-3 UD Las Palmas: Las Palmas Strike Three in Pre-Season Friendly

UD Las Palmas produced a confident attacking display to defeat Cadiz CF 3-1 in an international club friendly played on August 9, 2026. The match, which kicked off at 03:30 local time, gave both La Liga hopefuls a sharp test as they continued their pre-season preparations ahead of the new campaign. Las Palmas’ fluid forward line proved decisive, while Cadiz will look to tighten things up before competitive football resumes.

Match Overview

The friendly was played behind a competitive edge typical of two Andalusian and Canary Island outfits with plenty of history. Las Palmas dominated possession in the first half, moving the ball quickly through midfield and regularly isolating Cadiz's full-backs in one-on-one situations. Cadiz, meanwhile, tried to stay compact and hit on the break, but found themselves chasing the game early on after Las Palmas took the lead.

By the full-time whistle, Las Palmas had scored three times and could arguably have added more. Cadiz grabbed a consolation goal to give the home supporters something to cheer, but the evening belonged to the visitors, who looked sharp in the final third and creative in central areas.

Key Moments

• Las Palmas draw first blood: Sandro Ramírez opened the scoring midway through the first half, latching onto a clever through-ball and finishing calmly past the Cadiz goalkeeper.
• Double blow before the break: The visitors doubled their lead just before half-time when Alberto Moleiro curled a strike into the far corner from the edge of the box, leaving Cadiz with a mountain to climb.
• Cadiz's reply: Chris Ramos pulled one back early in the second half, rising highest at the back post to head home from a well-delivered cross.
• Sealing the win: Sandro Ramírez restored Las Palmas' two-goal cushion with a well-taken penalty after a foul inside the area, completing his brace and ending the contest.

Tactical Story

Las Palmas coach used the friendly to implement a high-pressing system designed to force turnovers in advanced areas. The midfield trio kept Cadiz's central players busy, while the wide forwards consistently stretched the pitch. Cadiz struggled to maintain sustained spells of possession, often resorting to longer passes toward Chris Ramos as an outlet.

Cadiz, by contrast, experimented with a back four and a double pivot, aiming to stay solid before sharpening their own attacking sequences. The loss of a two-goal deficit early meant they had to abandon their initial caution, leaving gaps that Las Palmas exploited with pace on the counter.

Standout Players

• Sandro Ramírez (Las Palmas): Scored twice and provided a constant threat with his movement between the lines.
• Alberto Moleiro (Las Palmas): Pulled the strings in midfield and added a stunning second goal to show his quality.
• Chris Ramos (Cadiz CF): Led the line well and took his goal with real conviction, a bright spot for the hosts.

What the Result Means

For UD Las Palmas, the 3-1 win provides a welcome confidence boost as they build toward the new season. Their attacking rhythm, especially in transition, will be an encouraging sign for supporters. Cadiz, meanwhile, will focus on the defensive organization lapses that allowed Las Palmas to score twice before the interval. Pre-season results can be misleading, but the sharpness of the visiting side suggested they are further along in their preparations.

Both clubs will now fine-tune their squads in the final weeks before the competitive fixture list begins, making performances like this an important reference point for selection decisions.