Kylian Mbappe's struggles in LALIGA continued as Real Madrid battled back to rescue a 1-1 draw against Las Palmas on Thursday night.
LALIGA
Result: Las Palmas 1-1 Real Madrid
Date: 29 August 2024
Venue: Estadio de Gran Canaria
Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz returned to the line-up, while Ferland Mendy was back at left-back after missing the weekend's clash against Real Valladolid due to suspension.
The host got off to the perfect start when Alberto Moleiro opened the scoring after just five minutes showed great feet to eliminate two defenders before firing past Thibaut Courtois.
Mbappe had a quiet game against Valladolid over the weekend, but Las Palmas were given the Frenchman no time on the ball as he was tightly marked in the opening 20 minutes of the first half.
That proved to be the trend for the remainder of the first half, with the hosts defending deep in the latter stages to frustrate the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in the final third.
Ancelotti responded with two changes at the start of the second half, with Brahim and Mendy withdrawn for Rodrygo Goes and Franc Garcia as they aimed to get back in the game.
Las Palmas should have extended the lead just before the hour mark after Sandro Ramirez got beyond the defence and rounded Courtois, but the striker went too wide and sent his striker over the target.
The hosts were made to rue that miss after Los Blancos got back in the game seven minutes later when Vinicius converted from the penalty spot after a handball in the box.
Ancelotti surprised many by taking off Vinicius for Endrick in the closing stages, even though Mbappe was struggling throughout the night.
The change did bring about a change in the score for champions, who failed to find a late winner and had to settle for a point.
