Real Madrid reclaimed their 1st position after Barcelona had momentarily displaced them from the pinnacle after a hard fought win over Atletico Madrid. But Real Madrid surpassed that with a dramatic win over Villarreal in a match where they were 0-2 down. Luck, quality and a whole lot of determination saw them through and establish their mettle as prospective Champions if there was any doubt in the first place.
Villarreal had seemingly blown a three-way battle for the title with Barcelona and Sevilla wide open when quickfire second-half goals from Manu Trigueros and Cedric Bakambu had the hosts 2-0 up at Estadio de la Ceramica. But Madrid hit back with 3 goals and capped off a dramatic comeback with Morata’s header sealing the deal. They will hope to have a simpler game against Las Palmas at home. Los Blancos drew against the same opposition on the road and a revenge is one the cards. Palmas are nestled comfortably in midtable but will look to break into the top 10 by the end of the season and will play without any pressure on them.
Las Palmas made a strong start but have stuttered in recent weeks and they need to get their act together if they are to maintain this position.
TRIVIA
- Real Madrid have never lost at the Santiago Bernabeu against Las Palmas in La Liga (won 28, drawn four).
- Las Palmas’ last win in La Liga against Real Madrid was in 2001-02 – a 4-2 success at home after 15 years without a victory against Los Blancos.
- Real Madrid have scored in their last 44 games in all competitions, equalling the best run of a Liga side ever (Barcelona in 1944).
- Against Villarreal, Cristiano Ronaldo became the Liga player with the most penalties scored (57), surpassing Hugo Sanchez (56).
TEAM NEWS & PREDICTED LINE-UPS
REAL MADRID (4-3-3)
Raphael Varane is out for several weeks after picking up an injury at Mestalla last Wednesday and Danilo is unlikely to return. Star attacker Gareth Bale picked up a knock in the win at Villarreal, but the Welshman is fine and could even start the game.
Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
LAS PALMAS (4-2-3-1)
Angel Montoro, Michel Macedo and Javi Castellano are unavailable for the trip to the Spanish capital on Wednesday, while Marko Livaja is a doubt.
Varas; Simon, Artiles, Bigas, Lopes; Gomez, Mesa; Boateng, Tana, Viera; Jese
BETTING ODDS
REAL MADRID- 1/7
DRAW- 8/1
LAS PALMAS- 16/1
TRIVIA COURTESY- OPTA
