Las Palmas looking to upset Real Madrid in midweek clash.

2024-09-15

In a battle where Las Palmas aim to defy the odds and secure their first win under manager Luis Carrión, they face the formidable Real Madrid, who arrive on the island fresh off a convincing victory and ready to extend their unbeaten streak.

Las Palmas

After an opening-day draw, Las Palmas suffered their first defeat of the season with a 2-1 loss to newly promoted Leganes. Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made a crucial save from a penalty, keeping his side in the game.

However, a stunning long-range strike from substitute Juan Cruz in the 71st minute left Las Palmas trailing. Another substitute, Enric Franquesa, increased the deficit in the 85th minute, before Sandro Ramírez scored a consolation goal in injury time.

Manager Luis Carrión expressed disappointment, stating, "The lineup we put out today was a good one. We need to reflect on what happened in the second half." The 45-year-old manager is still looking for his first win after two games.

Las Palmas face a challenging match against Real Madrid next. Despite the formidable opposition, Álex Suárez commented, "Real Madrid is one of the best in the world, but it's eleven against eleven. Once the referee blows the whistle, we have to go for the win."

However, a recent poor run at home makes a midweek victory seem unlikely, with Las Palmas winless in their last eight La Liga home games. With three successive home draws, they could secure a fourth for the first time since March 1978.

A 4-2-3-1 formation with Oli McBurnie leading the attack is expected.

Real Madrid

Madrid picked Real Valladolid apart in a 3-0 win at the weekend, securing their maiden victory of the season. A fabulous effort from Federico Valverde in the 50th minute, another from Brahim Díaz in the 88th minute, and a stoppage-time goal from Endrick, who scored his first after coming off the bench, helped clinch the win for Madrid.

Madrid are now aiming for back-to-back victories in this midweek clash against Las Palmas. An unbeaten nine-game run will surely leave the Whites confident ahead of Thursday’s fixture.

Preparations were in full swing during the week, with training sessions concluding with some small-sided games. Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Mbappe are expected to lead the attack as Carlo Ancelotti deploys the 4-3-3 formation.

Left-back Ferland Mendy returns to the squad after serving a suspension following a red card on Match Day 1. However, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham are ruled out until early September.