Real Madrid continue their defense of their LaLiga title on Sunday afternoon when they host Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have been under fire since another implosion El Clasico Last weekend during the Supercopa de Espana final. Barcelona, who beat Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu this season, triumphed 5-2 in this top tournament.
After being humiliated by their toughest opponents last weekend, a late collapse on Thursday night was the last thing they needed. Madrid blew a two-goal lead late in their Copa del Rey clash against Celta Vigo and needed extra time to beat the Galicians.
Carlo Ancelotti will be praying for a much simpler affair when Las Palmas travel to the capital on Sunday, but injuries and suspensions will force the Italian coach to make some unwanted decisions as Madrid try to keep pace with league leaders Atlético Madrid.
This is how Madrid could play.
TW: Thibaut Courtois – Took a break against Celta midweek after scoring five goals last weekend, although none of the goals were attributable to the outstanding goalkeeper. Despite their struggles, Las Palmas have been regular goalscorers this season and Courtois has had to be on high alert.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – After being humiliated by Raphinha in the Supercopa, Vazquez put in a more stable performance against Celta. Madrid desperately need reinforcements at right-back in January but will likely have to wait until the summer for their main target Trent Alexander-Arnold.
CB: Raul Asencio – With Madrid still plagued by defensive injuries, 21-year-old Asencio has been offered a surprising amount of professional football this season.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger – David Alaba’s impending return is a huge boost for Madrid, but Eder Militao’s absence for the rest of the season means Rüdiger will be given few breaks until the summer.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Fran Garcia could miss Sunday due to an injury sustained in the cup, but Mendy would probably still start. The Frenchman seems to have regained the starting position he lost before Christmas.
DM: Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan will show plenty of energy in midfield and will likely be more of an offensive force than a defensive enforcer on Sunday.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Tchouameni hasn’t had a chance this season, especially after some error-filled and unconvincing performances as a centre-back. With Eduardo Camavinga now in the treatment room and Luka Modric suspended, the Frenchman is likely to be deployed in his preferred defensive midfield role on Sunday.
RW: Rodrygo – One of Madrid’s better players in the Supercopa final, even scoring an excellent free kick in the second half to reduce the deficit. The speedy winger will be desperate to score a first goal against Las Palmas.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham finished last year in exceptional form and has largely picked up where it left off at the start of 2025. He has scored two goals since returning from the winter break, including a dramatic 95th-minute winner in Madrid’s final LaLiga game.
LW: Brahim Diaz – Vinicius Junior is suspended for Sunday’s game after being sent off against Valencia and either Diaz or Arda Guler will be tasked with replacing his creativity. The Moroccan international could get the nod.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – The French striker has scored six goals in his last nine appearances, including in Madrid’s last two games. He has found his form at the perfect moment of the season when Los Blancos want to get going.