The upcoming match between Las Palmas and Real Madrid has become a focal point in La Liga, particularly as Barcelona’s strong start has increased the stakes for the defending champions. Real Madrid is currently five points behind the league leaders after dropping points against Mallorca, despite having a game in hand.
Tonight, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face Luis Miguel Carrion’s Las Palmas team in Gran Canaria. Historically, Real Madrid has performed well at this venue, though they only secured a win last season due to a last-minute goal by Aurelien Tchouameni. Meanwhile, Las Palmas is seeking to improve after earning just one point from their opening two matches, which included one draw and one loss.
As the teams prepare for the match, here are three key considerations:
**Time for Minor Rotations**
With the season just beginning, it’s already proving to be a demanding one. Real Madrid, as champions in both domestic and European competitions, must manage their squad efficiently to maintain a competitive edge. Ancelotti is expected to implement some rotations for this match, especially since it follows closely after their previous game. Ferland Mendy is likely to return to the left-back position after serving a suspension, while Lucas Vazquez might replace Dani Carvajal on the right. Additionally, Luka Modric could also see his first start, potentially taking the place of Federico Valverde.
**The Guler-Diaz Dilemma**
The injury of Jude Bellingham created an opportunity for other promising players to step up. Ancelotti has two strong candidates in mind: Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz. Guler has been favored to start, showcasing impressive skills as an attacking midfielder in his recent performance. However, Diaz made a compelling case for his inclusion when he came off the bench to score and assist during the last match, leaving Ancelotti with a tough decision about who to start in place of Bellingham. Ancelotti could even consider starting both players by resting Rodrygo Goes.
**Growing Pressure on Mbappe**
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s high-profile signing, has faced scrutiny following his initial successes. Although he scored in his debut match against Atalanta, his subsequent performances in La Liga have not met expectations. Despite creating multiple chances against Mallorca, he struggled to finish, and his performance against Valladolid was underwhelming. As he prepares for his third league match, the pressure is mounting for him to score. With his proven talent, many expect that his first goal is imminent, and Gran Canaria could be the place where he finally finds the net.