Real Madrid continue their La Liga title defense on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Las Palmas to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have come under fire after another implosion El Clasico last weekend during the Supercopa de Espana final. Barcelona, who already beat Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu this season, triumphed 5-2 in the exhibition discipline.
After being humbled by their fiercest foes last weekend, the last thing they needed was a late collapse on Thursday night. Madrid lost a two-goal advantage towards the end in the King’s Cup match against Celta in Vigo, they need extra time to overcome the Galician team.
Carlo Ancelotti will be praying for a much simpler affair on Sunday as Las Palmas travel to the capital, but injuries and suspensions will force the Italian manager to make some unwanted decisions as Madrid look to keep pace with top-flight Atletico Madrid.
Here’s how Madrid could arrange.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – He was offered a midweek rest against Celta after dispatching five last weekend, although none of the goals can be blamed on the tall keeper. Las Palmas have found goalscorers regularly this season despite their struggles, and Courtois must be on standby.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – After being humiliated by Raphinha in the Super Cup, Vazquez showed a more consistent performance against Celta. Madrid desperately need reinforcements at right-back in January, but they will will probably have to wait until the summer for the main target Trent Alexander-Arnold.
CB: Raul Asencio – With defensive injuries still plaguing Madrid, 21-year-old Asensio has been offered a surprising amount of first-team football this term.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – David Alaba’s imminent return is a huge boost for Madrid, but Eder Militao’s absence for the rest of the campaign means Rudiger will be offered several breaks between now and the summer.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Fran Garcia could miss out on Sunday after picking up an injury in the cup, but Mendy is likely to start regardless. The Frenchman appears to have regained his starting place after being dropped before Christmas.
DM: Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan will prove an amount of energy in midfield and will likely be a bigger attacking force than a defensive striker on Sunday.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Tchouameni has been under attack this season, especially after several mistakes and unconvincing displays at centre-back. With Eduardo Camavinga now in the treatment room and Luka Modric suspended, the Frenchman should be deployed in his preferred midfield role on Sunday.
RW: Rodrygo – One of Madrid’s better players in the Super Cup final, he even reduced the deficit in the second half with an excellent free kick. The speedy winger will be looking to score his first goal against Las Palmas.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham finished last year in exceptional form and has largely picked up where he left off at the start of 2025. He has scored twice since returning from the winter break, including a dramatic 95th-minute winner in Madrid’s last LaLiga game.
LW: Brahim Diaz – Vinicius Junior is suspended for Sunday’s clash after being sent off against Valencia and it will be either Diaz or Arda Guler tasked with replacing his creativity. The Moroccan national team player could get recognition.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – The French forward has now scored six in his last nine appearances, including in the previous two meetings with Madrid. He has found form at the perfect time of the season as Los Blancos look to move on.
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