In a stunning upset, Las Palmas defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Montjuic, marking the Canary Islanders’ first away win against the Blaugrana since 1971.

Las Palmas manager Diego Martinez praised his team’s performance, rejecting the notion that they played direct, wasteful football.

“I really liked the team with the ball. We played fast, with good transition, being more vertical to take advantage of those spaces. There were almost no aerial duels, so I don’t think it was direct,” he said.

Martinez, who has an excellent record against Barcelona, attributed the victory to his players’ belief and team spirit.

“The first thing to be able to get points here, you have to believe. That is the most important thing,” he explained.

The manager also highlighted the contributions of Las Palmas’ Scottish players, Oli and Scott, who he said “feel it like they’re from Gran Canaria.” He emphasized the significance of the win for the entire team and the island, noting that it could be a crucial step towards the club’s top-flight survival.

Barcelona’s defeat comes as a surprise, with Hansi Flick’s side struggling with a lack of focus and connection between players, according to the Las Palmas boss. Martinez revealed that exploiting the spaces behind Barcelona’s full-backs was a key part of his team’s strategy.

This historic win for Las Palmas will undoubtedly be celebrated on the Canary Islands, ending a 53-year wait for an away victory against the mighty Barcelona.