itstargetnews
Real Madrid continue their defense of the LaLiga title when they welcome Las Palmas to the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.
Los Blancos is on fire following another explosion The Classic Last weekend in the final of the Supercopa de Espana. Barcelona, who have beaten Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu this season, A 5-2 victory in the showpiece event.
After being humbled by their fiercest foes last weekend, the last thing they needed was a late collapse on Thursday night. Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead late on in their Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo. Extra time is needed to remove the Galician decor.
Carlo Ancelotti will be praying for an easier affair on Sunday as Las Palmas venture to the capital, but injuries and suspensions will force the Italian coach to make some unwanted decisions as Madrid look to keep pace with table toppers Atletico Madrid.
Here’s how Madrid can line.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Offered a midweek rest against Celta after shipping five last weekend, though none of the goals could be blamed on the towering goalkeeper. Las Palmas are a regular scorer despite their struggles this season, with Courtois needing to be on high alert.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – After being humiliated by Rafinha in the Supercopa, Vazquez put in a solid performance against Celta. Madrid desperately need right-back reinforcements in January but will do Will have to wait until summer For main target Trent Alexander-Arnold.
CB: Raul Asensio – With Madrid still plagued by defensive injuries, 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 the absence of Eder Militao for the rest of the campaign means Rudiger will be offered little rest between now and the summer.
LB: Fairland Mandy – Fran Garcia may miss out on Sunday due to injury in the Cup but Mendy is likely to start regardless. The Frenchman looks set to reclaim his starting spot after being dropped before Christmas.
DM: Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan will prove a bundle of energy in midfield and will be more of an attacking force than a defensive enforcer on Sunday.
DM: Aurelien Choumeni – The knives have been out for Chouamani this season, particularly following some error-prone and unconvincing performances at centre-back. With Eduardo Kamavinga now in the treatment room and Luka Modric suspended, the Frenchman should work in his preferred holding midfield role on Sunday.
RW: Rodrigo – One of Madrid’s best performers in the Supercopa final, also scored a superb free kick to reduce the deficit in the second half. The speedy winger will be eager to get his first goal against Las Palmas.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham finished in exceptional form last year 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 outing.
LW: Brahim Diaz – Vinicius Jr is suspended for Sunday’s clash after being sent off against Valencia and will be tasked with replacing his creativity with either Diaz or Arda Guler. The Morocco international may get the nod.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – The French forward has now scored six in his last nine appearances, including the previous two fixtures in Madrid. He has found form at the perfect moment in the season as Los Blancos look to progress.
