With the new La Liga season underway, Barcelona’s flawless start is putting early pressure on Real Madrid. The defending champions faltered with a draw against Mallorca, leaving them five points adrift of the leaders, although they do have a game in hand. Tonight, Real Madrid faces a challenging match against Las Palmas under the management of Luis Miguel Carrion.
Real Madrid will take on Las Palmas at Gran Canaria, a venue they have been successful at in previous years. Last season, they clinched victory there with a last-minute goal from Aurelien Tchouameni. In contrast, Las Palmas has struggled so far this season, managing just one point from two matches, including a draw and a defeat. With these dynamics, Real Madrid is optimistic about securing a win to apply continued pressure on their opponents.
As Real Madrid gears up for this encounter, squad rotation may be on the horizon given the busy schedule. Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s coach, understands the importance of effective squad management in a season that promises to be exceptionally demanding. Ferland Mendy is expected to return at left-back after serving a suspension, while Dani Carvajal may be rested with Lucas Vazquez stepping in. Additionally, Luka Modric could make his first start of the season, potentially filling in for Federico Valverde, who has been consistently featured in recent games.
Another key consideration for Ancelotti is the potential inclusion of either Arda Guler or Brahim Diaz in the starting lineup in place of the injured Jude Bellingham. While Guler earned the starting position, Diaz made a strong impression in his brief appearance, scoring one goal and providing an assist in just 21 minutes. This performance puts pressure on Ancelotti to decide whether to start Guler, Diaz, or possibly both, which would require resting Rodrygo Goes.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s star signing, is also feeling the heat as he seeks to make a significant impact in his new team. After a strong debut in the UEFA Super Cup, his first two La Liga matches have not matched that success. Against Mallorca, he struggled to convert his chances, and his performance against Valladolid was below par, missing two big opportunities. With the spotlight on him, the pressure is mounting for him to score his first goal, and Gran Canaria could be the stage where he finally delivers.