As Real Madrid prepares to face Las Palmas in their third La Liga match of the season, they find themselves under pressure due to Barcelona’s strong start. The defending champions, currently five points behind the league leaders after dropping points against Mallorca, aim to secure a crucial win away from home.
The match will take place in Gran Canaria, a location where Madrid has enjoyed success in recent years, although their last visit saw them earn a late victory due to Aurelien Tchouameni’s goal. Las Palmas, on the other hand, sits with just one point from their two fixtures, hoping to improve their standing against the formidable opponents.
With a hectic season ahead, squad rotations are likely. Coach Carlo Ancelotti may make strategic changes as the team plays its second match in less than a week. Ferland Mendy could step in for Fran Garcia at left-back after serving a suspension, while Dani Carvajal might be rested at right-back, allowing Lucas Vazquez to take the spot. Luka Modric, whose influence has been limited thus far, may also start in place of Federico Valverde.
Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma regarding the attacking midfielder position following Jude Bellingham’s injury. Young talents Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz are vying for a starting role. Guler earned a starting position recently, delivering an impressive performance, but Diaz’s impactful cameo with a goal and an assist complicates the decision.
Adding to the narrative is Kylian Mbappe, the high-profile signing under scrutiny to deliver results. After a promising debut in the UEFA Super Cup, his subsequent La Liga matches have seen him struggle to score. Critiques of his missed opportunities against Mallorca and Valladolid have heightened expectations for his performance as he looks to find the back of the net, potentially in Gran Canaria.