Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr fired in a second-half penalty to cancel out Alberto Moleiro’s early opener as the Spanish giants salvaged a nervy 1-1 draw at lowly Las Palmas on Thursday.
A feeble Real Madrid had to dig deep to avoid a shock first La Liga defeat of the season in another dreary performance by the champions, who are fourth in the standings with five points from three games, four behind leaders Barcelona.
France captain Kylian Mbappe once again failed to deliver as he has yet to score his first goal in La Liga after joining the Spanish and Champions League winners as a free agent from Paris St Germain in June.
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Although manager Carlo Ancelotti made four changes from the team that struggled to win against lowly Valladolid on Sunday, Real once again started the match slow and unfocussed, allowing Las Palmas’ Moleiro to slot in a tidy finish from a quick counter in the fifth minute.
Las Palmas’ Alberto Moleiro celebrates after scoring the opening goal vs Real Madrid during a La Liga match. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
The hosts wasted several chances to extend the lead against a chaotic and disorganised Real defence, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making three incredible saves.
Following the break, Rodrygo came off the bench to provide the visitors some much-needed pace and creativity that they lacked in the first half.
Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made fine saves from efforts by Antonio Ruediger, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Jr, but it was the forward Sandro who wasted a clear chance to extend the lead for the locals in the 54th minute, hitting the ball well over the bar.
However, the La Liga champions managed to rescue a point thanks to Vinicius’s strike from the penalty spot after a handball by defender Alex Suarez.
Real Madrid will host Betis on Sunday, while 16th-placed Las Palmas will travel to the Basque Country to face Alaves.
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