In a gripping LaLiga clash, Real Madrid and Las Palmas ended in a 1-1 draw. Explore the match details and standout performances from this exciting game.
Early Blow for Real Madrid
Real Madrid had to navigate a difficult outing to the Estadio Gran Canaria against UD Las Palmas on LaLiga matchday three. Right from the start of the game, within five minutes, the visitors were in for a rude shock. Alberto Moleiro benefited from a terrible defensive mistake to score first and find himself in front as early as the opening exchanges.
The early advantage energized the home side, now starting to play with a little more confidence, pressing high, and challenging Real Madrid’s defensive line. For the Whites, the feeling was one of an impending battle if they were to try and turn this match around, all the more with Las Palmas gaining momentum from their quick lead.
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Real Madrid Fights Back
Despite the early setback, Real Madrid grew into the game bit by bit, showing glimpses of their attacking prowess. It was almost all square in the 25 minutes through Federico Valverde, whose freekick was expertly matched by the inspired Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. Immediately after just four minutes, Kylian Mbappé, who was leading the charge for Madrid, broke free on a counter-attack to unleash a shot from the edge of the area, with Cillessen again equal to the task.
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Further heroics from Cillessen, which kept the home side ahead, saw him make another crucial save from Antonio Rüdiger’s powerful long-range effort in the 38th minute. He tipped the ball away to preserve a 1-0 scoreline as both teams went into the halftime break.
A Frantic Second Half
Real were urgent at the start of the second half, knowing they needed to level matters. The first clear opportunity fell to Vinícius Júnior in the 50th minute, his shot forcing Cillessen to another save. Four minutes later, Rodrygo enjoyed a similar one, again the outstanding goalkeeper of Las Palmas, keeping the visitors off for one more time.
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Still, Las Palmas did not want to defend the advantage only and conducted a very dangerous counter-attack in the 55th minute. Sandro Ramírez found himself in a one-on-one situation with Thibaut Courtois, but the striker sent his shot over the bar, having missed a great opportunity to make it 2-0.
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In a flash, Real Madrid responded, with Mbappé letting go of a powerful shot from the edge of the box that Cillessen could only parry. The rebound fell to Vinícius Júnior, whose header went just wide of the upright. At this point, Real Madrid was well on top, pressing remorselessly for an equalizer that felt a matter of when, not if.
The Equalizer and Missed Opportunities
It wasn’t until the 68-minute mark that Real finally broke through. Lucas Vázquez picked up a messy situation in the Las Palmas penalty area before the ball made its way into the danger zone. As he came out to challenge Arda Güler’s shot, Álex Suárez used his hand to deflect it. The referee pointed to the spot for Real Madrid. Confidently, Vinícius Júnior stepped up and coolly converted from the spot to make it 1-1.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, Real Madrid pushed forward in search of a winning goal. Brilliant solo run by Mbappé in the 85th minute, weaving through the Las Palmas defense, before being brought down twice inside the box by Scott McKenna; however, despite the appeals for another penalty, the referee waved play on, and the chance was gone.
Also, not long after, young Brazilian forward Endrick, who came on as a substitute, attempted an audacious close-range overhead kick. The effort was acrobatic but without the needed precision to beat Cillessen, who was outstanding between the posts.
A Frustrating Draw for Madrid
Still, Real Madrid wasn’t able to find a second-half winner, despite much of the half passing with Los Blancos on top, fashioning a host of chances. The match ended 1-1-a share of spoils. For Las Palmas, the result was about being stubborn and disciplined, particularly against the unremitting pressure of one of Europe’s elite.
To Real, it was an opportunity that had slipped through their hands because they enjoyed the better chances throughout the match and were ultimately thwarted by Cillessen’s heroics and some near misses. Despite the setback, the team can take heart from their fighting spirit and the fact that they managed to draw a game in which they had gone behind early in the tie.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid will now turn their attention to the upcoming fixtures, knowing full well that in this tightly contested LaLiga season, there is little room for error. Ancelotti’s men will have to work on sharpening their finishing and capitalizing on dominance in games if they are to be in the hunt for the title. Las Palmas will, meanwhile, take loads of confidence from this result, proving they can hold their own with any of the best in the league.
Conclusion: A 1-1 Draw ended
Both teams will make sure to build off of this matchup throughout the season: Real Madrid converting chances into wins and Las Palmas using momentum to rise in the table and retain their placement in LaLiga for another season.