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Scattered Notes – A new segment where I place my notepad on an article after each game. Uncomplicated, unfiltered, unprofessional.
Few teams make creating chances as easy as Las Palmas. Their consistently out-of-control defense is reflected in their league-high xGA. Faced with a high-octane Real Madrid attack, it was only a matter of time before the cracks turned into chasms. That said, regardless of how easy Las Palmas made it for the hosts, credit where credit is due: the interaction between Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo looked great, and Real Madrid’s quick movement of the ball through the lines He made the most of Las Palmas’ acres of space. Palming allowed.
However, despite Madrid’s brilliance in attack, their defensive failures continue to leave the door ajar. The first minutes were a microcosm of the season: all teams aim to exploit Lucas Vázquez.
Tactical observations
The Recklessness of Las Palmas:
Las Palmas played into Madrid’s hands with their absurdly high defensive line. On several occasions, Jude Bellingham and Mbappé ran in behind with ease, opening up the backline like clockwork. The opponent’s lack of defensive form was almost comical at times. Real Madrid had a season-high 6.4 xG, according to Understat. They had breaks, in large numbers, almost whenever they wanted.
The evolution of Mbappé:
This was a different Mbappé than the one we saw earlier this season. Their movement, dribbling and decision making stood out. He’s playing with bounce, with arrogance. Whether it was his quick pass to Asensio in the right half-space, his absurd shot in the 28th minute that almost broke the net, or his combination with Jude and Rodrygo; Mbappé was the support point of Madrid’s attack. This version of Mbappé exponentially raises the team’s ceiling.
Rodrygo, threatening:
Rodrygo’s dribbling in tight spaces and his ability to convert chances were on display. The Brazilian should have had more than one assist, but Brahim Díaz and others failed to take advantage of his creation. It was great to see how good he and Mbappé looked together in Vinicius Jr’s absence.
Fran García, present in the last third:
Fran García’s contributions on the left wing are growing game by game. From his precise cuts for Rodrygo to his dangerous overlaps, he offered a dynamic outlet that Madrid have often lacked. Every time Fede Valverde looked up, he had a diagonal change available, one he never gets when Ferland Mendy plays left back. Was this Fran’s best game?
Dani Ceballos, ball progressor and defensive workhorse:
Seven tackles, six interceptions, the most touches of anyone on the field and ridiculous vision and execution:
Defensive concerns persist:
Real Madrid’s Achilles heel continues to be its defensive organization, especially by Lucas Vázquez. Fabio Silva had multiple moments in which he found space in the right half-space and was about to score the second. Credit goes to Raúl Asencio (excellent again) for cleaning up a lot of mess in that area and at the same time being excellent in the preparation phase.
Thoughts on goals.
0-1: Far Pole Disaster
It was almost prophetic. Las Palmas scored in the first 30 seconds, exploiting Madrid’s known defensive weaknesses. Alberto Molero broke the right wing. Fabio Silva entered like a ghost at the far post, undetected, while Lucas Vázquez could not control his shoulder and Dani Ceballos, initially on that side, deviated towards the center.
1-1: Rodrygo’s brilliance, Mbappé’s composure
If the first match was predictable, the draw was a display of individual brilliance. Rodrygo beat Sandro and won a penalty after breaking through the Las Palmas defense. Mbappé, stepping forward with renewed confidence, fired the penalty, a far cry from his nervous efforts against Liverpool and Athletic Club.
2-1: Persistence
Raúl Asensio, under pressure, escaped brilliantly to start the sequence. A deft pass found Mbappé, whose silky touch set up a poisonous shot. Although the effort was saved, Lucas Vázquez’s relentless energy kept the play alive (and he did well to stay in play), facing Brahim Díaz for a tap-in.
3-1: Mbappé, we say goodbye
What is that ending? Ridiculous. To redirect that first time with that lots of power, right in the top corner. Monster of nature.
4-1: Rodrygo, awarded
Rodrygo should have received an assist after setting up Brahim Diaz in front of an empty net and he had played well throughout the game so it was nice to see him score his goal. Fran García’s perfectly timed cutback found him. Mbappé participated again in the preparation.
