Las Palmas hit cloud nine

If we go back six matchdays, UD Las Palmas were sitting in the relegation zone and three points from safety, but an outstanding run of results - which has included five wins from six - has seen the Islanders place an eight-point cushion between themselves and the drop zone.

This recent winning streak has seen Los Amarillos emerge victorious in their clashes against Eibar SD, Getafe CF, Villarreal CF, Real Sociedad and Valencia CF, with the team succumbing to defeat just twice, against FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, in their last seven outings. Despite being beaten in those two games, Las Palmas gave a very good account of themselves and came mighty close to getting something out of both fixtures.

This good run of form has been no coincidence. Las Palmas are playing some attractive, eye-catching football, and this fine sequence of results is down, in no small part, to their coach Quique Setien, who has made his mark since being appointed last October. The coach's work has reaped its rewards with Setien last week scooping the Liga BBVA Manager of the Month award for March. Upon receiving the gong, the 57-year-old coach insisted that, "what will live in the memory from this award is the satisfaction that comes with the work put in by a big group of enthusiastic, dedicated, faithful people at Las Palmas looking to leave behind a good legacy whenever we leave."

The coach's contagious enthusiasm has spread throughout the whole club, with players, coaches, directors, staff and supporters enjoying what is possibly one of the most successful periods in the club's recent history. As if the on-field triumphs weren't enough, a few months ago renovation work was completed on the Gran Canaria Stadium to lift its capacity and make it one of the most impressive stadiums in the Liga BBVA.

The removal of the athletics track has seen the stands running along the side of the pitch brought closer to the action, whilst the seats have been given a splash of the club's unmistakable yellow and blue. This work has all contributed to giving the stadium an upbeat feel, which has been mirrored on the field of play in recent games.

However it's not only at the Gran Canaria Stadium that Setien's charges have been producing the goods. The Islanders have put in some fine displays on the road, recording three away wins on the trot, keeping three clean sheets in the process. Las Palmas have recorded successive away victories over SD Eibar, Real Sociedad and of particular note, against a Villarreal CF side who, prior to meeting Setien's men, hadn't been breached on their own patch for three months.

The Islanders' fine away form will be put to the test when they travel to Riazor to take on RC Deportivo on Monday. Should they claim victory in A Coruña, they would seal their survival and it would also mean that they would find themselves closer to the European spots than the relegation zone, a prospect which many would have thought impossible when the season started out. The Yellows currently lie 12th in the Liga BBVA standings and if they were to maintain their current streak, they would be on track to claim their best-placed LaLiga finish since the 1978/79 campaign, when they ended the campaign in sixth.

The firepower of Willian Jose will be key in determining whether Setien's men manage to re-write the history books. The Brazilian forward has netted seven goals in his last eleven games after forcing his way into the starting line-up through sheer hard work. Alongside him, academy product, Jonathan Viera is making a real contribution, pulling the strings for Las Palmas and weighing in with goals and assists. Other members of the squad that have played their part in the upturn of fortunes have been Javi Varas in goal, Roque Mesa and his ability to regain possession for the team, as well as the graft and commitment shown by Tana.

Las Palmas are living a dream from which they never want to wake, as they move ever closer to retaining their Liga BBVA status for next season.