La Liga: It’s Real Madrid’s Turn to Take the Lead

Las Palmas vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid can take the reins at the top of the La Liga table when they visit Las Palmas at the Gran Canaria Stadium on Saturday night.

Girona are still on top of the pile, but they only have a one-point lead over Real Madrid, and Los Blancos have a game in hand (which is this one) after being busy in cup competitions lately.

If Carlo Ancelotti’s men win tonight, they will reclaim the table lead by the end of the 21^st matchday with a two-point advantage over Girona.

But facing Las Palmas is, by no means, an easy task for Real Madrid because Los Amarillos have bounced back from their mini-slump. Garcia Pimienta’s side is currently in eighth place following a two-game winning streak.

Talking Points

Real Madrid don’t need the refs this time

Real Madrid found themselves down by two goals in the first half, but they managed to complete a 3-2 comeback victory against Almeria in the second half with some help from the referees.

Jude Bellingham started the rally by converting a spot-kick near the hour mark after a handball violation by Kaiky Fernandes, despite Joselu climbing over the Almeria defender’s back in an attempt to reach the ball. This was the first VAR miscue in the post-match refereeing report.

And then there was more. After the Bellingham score, a goal by Almeria was not counted after the Englishman went down after minimal contact with Dion Lopy, and the Almeria midfielder was wrongfully given a yellow card.

A few minutes later, Vinicius Junior drew level for Real Madrid when he netted a Bellingham cross, but that shouldn’t have counted because the ball hit the Brazilian winger’s arm (handball).

By that time, the momentum had shifted in Real Madrid’s favour, and Dani Carvajal secured the comeback by scoring the team’s third goal inside the box during the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Other than the VAR issues, the game also saw several yellow cards handed out for both sides. The most impactful one is Jude Bellingham’s, because it means that he will be serving his one-match ban tonight as per the La Liga 2024 updates.

Eduardo Camavinga will likely replace Bellingham in the starting lineup after coming off the bench last time out.

Valles leads Las Palmas’ impervious defence

Real Madrid currently boast the best defence in La Liga today with only 13 goals allowed, but did you know who is the second team behind them? No, it’s not Girona, Barcelona, or even Atletico Madrid; it is Las Palmas.

This season, Los Amarillos have only conceded 17 goals after 21 matchdays, and a huge reason why is their goalkeeper, Alvaro Valles.

With Valles as their man between the sticks, Las Palmas have tallied six clean sheets, including their last two wins against Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal.

The 26-year-old has been hailed as one of La Liga’s best goalkeepers, and one reason for that is because he’s in the 99^th percentile in terms of save percentage (85-per cent). Valles will have suitors lined up for his services this summer because his current contract will expire by then.

History

Las Palmas and Real Madrid are set to meet in their ninth La Liga matchup, and the former hasn’t won a single one at all (D2, L6) thus far. Los Amarillos are on a three-game losing streak against Los Blancos, and they haven’t scored a single goal in that span (8-0 aggregate tally).

Real Madrid have scored in six of their last seven visits to the Gran Canaria Stadium in La Liga (W5, D1, L1) after losing three of their four previous away games against Las Palmas in the Spanish top-flight (W1).

Garcia Pimienta’s men have won five of their last eight La Liga home matches (D1, L2), while Carlo Ancelotti’s side are on a 14-game unbeaten run in La Liga (W11, D3), including a four-game winning streak, their best winning run in the competition since September 2023, when they won five in a row.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP La Liga 2024 odds have Real Madrid winning this contest and retake the table lead, as they’re installed at 1.40, whereas Las Palmas are 7.00 underdogs, and a draw is at 4.47 in the 1X2 market.

You can also look at Asian Handicap -1.00 at 1.69 and a Correct Score of 2-0 at 6.60, both in favour of Los Blancos. But our recommended bet is Under 2.50 at 2.28 since this is a battle between two of the league’s best backlines. While you’re at it, also check out Total Goal 2-3 at 1.97 and 0-1 at 3.88.

 

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