As Real Madrid prepares to face Las Palmas in La Liga’s third game of the season, they find themselves under pressure following Barcelona’s perfect start, which has left them five points off the lead despite having a game in hand. The match will take place in Gran Canaria, a venue where Madrid has seen success in recent years, although they secured victory there only narrowly last season.
Las Palmas currently sits with just one point after two matches, having recorded one draw and one loss, making them eager to secure a result against the defending champions. Real Madrid aims to capitalize on this opportunity and maintain pressure in the league standings.
Key points to consider ahead of the match include potential rotations in the lineup due to a demanding schedule. Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces the challenge of ensuring player freshness. Expect to see Ferland Mendy returning from suspension to take over at left-back, and possibly Lucas Vazquez replacing Dani Carvajal at right-back. This game might also allow Luka Modric to start, potentially taking Federico Valverde’s position as he has played consistently in recent outings.
Another critical aspect is the decision between Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz to fill Jude Bellingham’s spot in the lineup after the young star’s injury. Guler has performed admirably in training, while Diaz dazzled in a recent cameo, scoring a goal and providing an assist in just 21 minutes of play. Ancelotti now must choose between the two or consider the option of deploying both by resting Rodrygo Goes.
Finally, pressure continues to mount on Kylian Mbappe, who, after a promising debut, has yet to make a significant impact in his first two La Liga games. Despite creating multiple opportunities, he struggled to find the net, particularly against Mallorca and Valladolid. As he approaches his third game in Spain, the expectation for him to score is growing, making this an important match for his confidence and performance.