Real Madrid Drops Two Points in Gran Canaria Against Las Palmas

The white team, from less to more during the match and after an equal first half, received the punishment shortly before the end in a play where Argentine Sergio Araujo took advantage of a rebound in a dispute with Kiko Casilla to equalize the match, although the Madridistas remain leaders.

Spanish League Standings

Zinedine Zidane's Changes in the Lineup

Zinedine Zidane made changes to the starting eleven, dismantling the BBC with the benching of Benzema, and bringing back Modric as Kroos' assistant to fill the gap left by Casemiro. He also included Marco Asensio as a novelty, the scorer of the first goal.

The Match

The intention of the French coach to play in the opponent's field was hardly fulfilled in the first half, as his team almost always threatened with more danger after a ball recovery and quick exit. The right flank, with Carvajal and Bale, monopolized the attacks, although curiously the first goal originated from the opposite side.

Nacho, also a newcomer in the starting eleven in place of the injured Marcelo, stole the ball and surprised with a quick arrival into the box; his shot was saved by Javi Varas with his left hand, but it fell perfectly to Asensio to head it into the net.

Las Palmas' Equalizer

Las Palmas, when given time to think, becomes dangerous because it has players with good technique, such as Roque Mesa, who acts as the hinge of their offensive machinery, based on constant association of their players and one-touch play.

Jonathan Viera and Tana had already threatened when Real Madrid eased the pressure, until the equalizer came when Momo, with plenty of time to cross, put the ball in the box, it was flicked on by Varane, and reached Tana, who only needed to brew a coffee before placing it in the net.

The Second Goal

The second goal was born from an ambush that Benzema finished, hyperactive since he stepped onto the field, after a rebound from Varas' save on Cristiano's shot, in an action almost identical to the first goal.

The Final Moments and Result

The final push from the whites, already desperate, did not pay off, with shots from Benzema and Isco. Zidane's team has now tied two consecutive matches and leaves the island with the feeling of having lost the game. The hugs from Las Palmas' players gave it away.

Match Details:

• Las Palmas: Javi Varas; Míchel Macedo, David García, Aythami Artiles, Dani Castellano; Roque Mesa; Momo (Araujo, min. 69), Vicente Gómez, Jonathan Viera (El Zhar, min 54), Tana; y Livaja (Lemos, min. 88).
• Real Madrid: Kiko Casilla; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Nacho; Modric, Kroos, Asensio (Benzemá, min. 64); Bale, Morata (Isco, min. 80) y Cristiano Ronaldo (Lucas Vázquez, min. 72).

• Goals: 0-1, min. 33: Marco Asensio. 1-1, min. 38: Tana. 1-2, min. 67: Benzemá. 2-2, min. 85: Araujo.
• Referee: Xavier Estrada Fernández (Catalan Committee). Yellow cards shown to local players Roque Mesa (min. 23), David García (min. 54) and Tana (min. 90+1), and to visiting players Kroos (min. 58) and Carvajal (min. 77).

Match played today at the Estadio de Gran Canaria, in front of 22,520 spectators, as reported by the local club. The honor kick-off was done by the sailing team of Real Club Náutico de Gran Canaria, who became world champions in the 420 Class.