The pressure is rising on both sides of the pitch as relegation-threatened Las Palmas welcome title-chasing Atlético Madrid to Estadio de Gran Canaria on Saturday night — a showdown that promises grit, fire, and no shortage of drama.
Las Palmas may sit 18th with just 29 points, but they’ve shown flashes of steel, including a shock 2-1 win the last time Atleti came to this stadium. The hosts have lost five of their last six La Liga clashes with Simeone’s side, but history doesn’t always repeat — especially with survival on the line.
Atlético, perched in 3rd with 63 points, can’t afford to slip up in their pursuit of glory, but this won’t be a walk in the park. The Gran Canaria crowd will be loud, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Las Palmas are desperate. Atlético are relentless.
This could be a war — and don’t be surprised if Las Palmas claw out a point in the chaos.
Las Palmas looked reborn under Diego Martínez after his October arrival, showing real promise before the new year — but then came the drought. Three and a half months without a win dragged the Canary Islanders into the relegation scrap. That nightmare finally ended last weekend, and in dramatic fashion.
Down early against a tough Getafe side, Las Palmas roared back with a stunning 3-1 victory at the Coliseum. Fabio Silva was electric, netting twice, while Oli McBurnie bagged his first goal for the club — a vital spark just when they needed it most.
However, their resurgence faces a stern test with Atlético Madrid coming to town. The hosts are sweating over the fitness of key defensive duo Juanma Herzog and Andy Pelmard, while veteran shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen remains out, as does Kirian Rodríguez through illness.
Unavailable: Jasper Cillessen (injury), Kirian Rodríguez (illness)
Doubtful: Juanma Herzog, Andy Pelmard, Benito.
LAS PALMAS predicted lineup vs ATLÉTICO MADRID: Horkas (GK); Viti, Alex Suarez, McKenna, Mika Marmol; Javier Munoz, Stefan Bajcetic, Dario Essugo, Sandro; McBurnie, Silva.
Los Rojiblancos are heating up at just the right time. After leaving it late to beat Sevilla in dramatic fashion, they followed up with a thrilling 4-2 comeback win over Real Valladolid last weekend. Julian Alvarez held his nerve from the spot twice, while Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth added to the party as Atlético powered through another must-win.
That back-to-back surge has reignited their title hopes, with Simeone’s men now just seven points off top spot with seven games remaining — the fight is very much on.
However, Atlético will be missing some firepower on their trip to Gran Canaria. Midfield engine Rodrigo De Paul is out with a thigh issue, while wing-back Samuel Lino remains sidelined through injury.
Unavailable: Rodrigo De Paul (thigh), Samuel Lino (strain)
ATLÉTICO MADRID predicted lineup vs LAS PALMAS: Oblak (GK); Marcos Llorente, Jose Maria Gimenez, Lenglet, Javi Galan; Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Las Palmas have been growing in confidence over the past couple of months, and last weekend’s dramatic comeback win at Getafe might just be the turning point they needed. With the shackles off and survival back in their sights, belief is surging at just the right time.
As for Atlético, two straight wins might look solid on paper, but their recent performances have left plenty to be desired. If they show up flat in Gran Canaria, don’t be shocked if this is the night their title dreams are finally buried beneath the island lights.
Prediction: Draw & over 1.5.
