Vinicius equalised from the penalty spot in a very physical match
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti during the match – REUTERS/ BORJA SUÁREZ
Ancelotti made five changes at Las Palmas. The pattern is starting to become normal, and the Italian has every reason to move the bench. Firstly, because of the heavy schedule that could see them play more than 70 games. Secondly, because of the need to have the whole squad active and to make them feel part of the team by giving them minutes on the pitch. Finally, Ancelotti needs to know which trident is best up front and he must move pieces around until he can find a design capable of withstanding the absence of Kroos.
Real Madrid’s French striker Kylian Mbappé during the match between UD Las Palmas and Real Madrid CF at the Gran Canaria stadium in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria August 29, 2024 – AFP/ CESAR MANSO
Lucas Vázquez and Brahim started against Las Palmas. But also, Modric and Tchouaméni. Four new faces for a team that is broken down in midfield because, perhaps, Güler is too young to guide his team-mates and to play the game at the same time. His left foot is worthy of Beckham and the balls he puts in from wherever he wants are exactly where he wants them to go.
Moleiro scored the first goal after five minutes. The white defence has gaps and that makes many wonders why Ancelotti has so much faith in a guy like Mendy, with quality, but lost in many offensive and defensive tasks.
The 4-3-3 is not what Real Madrid know how to play, but Mbappé and Vinicius must share up front with someone else. In Las Palmas it was Brahim and that puzzled the rest because seeing the Malagueño in those spaces is not usual.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior celebrates with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé after scoring his first goal - REUTERS/ BORJA SUÁREZ
The physical display from the Canaries was spectacular. The precision of the passes and the quality of players like Campaña, McKenna and Mármol made Luis Carrión’s team a physical powerhouse impossible to beat.
Fran García and Rodrigo came on at half-time. Güler came on for Modric and Carvajal replaced a great Lucas Vázquez. In the 86th minute Endrick came on for Vinicius in a difficult decision for Ancelotti, who left Mbappé up front with an unknown partner in crime, the Brazilian, who had a couple of chances that he did not take advantage of.
Madrid’s goal came after a handball in the box. Vinicius converted the penalty, and the Whites had a few more chances that they were unable to convert, more due to Las Palmas’ defensive ability than poor finishing.
Vinicius Junior takes the ball away from Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen after scoring from the penalty spot during the football match between UD Las Palmas and Real Madrid CF, on August 29, 2024 – AFP/ CESAR MANSO
Cillessen is a world-class goalkeeper. He left Barça to avoid the shadow of Ter Stegen but ended up in Valencia’s bankruptcy and ended up at Dutch side Nijmegen. Inexplicable what the Spanish league has done with some players. The fact is that the Las Palmas goalkeeper made saves that saved his team and was able to dominate the last few minutes of the game to play in their favour.
Real Madrid are now four points behind Barça after this poor start to the league. Ancelotti will be able to use the international break to review his notes and decide what to do with the midfield. The new 8 is not the old 8. Valverde has three lungs, but he is not a reference in that area where very few know how to play well. The champion has work to do because the Champions League has arrived, and the throne must be defended.