Real Madrid can return to the top of LaLiga when they host Las Palmas today, but they will not have Vinicius in their team.
Real Madrid will be without star player Vinícius Júnior for today's match against Las Palmas, with the Brazilian starting a two-match LaLiga ban following his sending-off against Valencia earlier this month.
In Madrid's 2–1 win at the Mestalla on January 3, Vinícius was shown a straight red card after colliding with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
The 24-year-old will also sit out the Spanish top-flight match against Real Valladolid on January 25.
Who will replace Vinicius in the Real Madrid team?
With Vinícius unavailable for selection, Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will deploy Brahim Díaz in Los Blancos' attack.
The Italian is expected to play Brahim on the right wing, where the Moroccan international was also a starter in Madrid's midweek Copa del Rey win over Celta Vigo.
Rodrygo Goes is likely to return to the left flank line-up usually occupied by Vinícius, with Kylian Mbappé leading the charge as striker.
What other changes are expected against Las Palmas?
Elsewhere, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde are likely to return to midfield after dropping to the bench for Madrid's midweek Copa del Rey win over Celta Vigo.
In defense, youngster Raúl Asencio is in line to keep his place at center back, while Fran García is also expected to start his second game in a row, allowing the first-choice left-back to take a break from LaLiga duties.
Fellow defender David Alaba, who has not played since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament 399 days ago, could make his return to Madrid as a substitute.
Possible line-up of Real Madrid against Las Palmas:
Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García; Tchouameni, Valverde; Brahim, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe.
Real Madrid vs Las Palmas: start time, where to watch
The Matchday 20 LaLiga clash will be played today, Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 10:15 AM ET/7:15 PM PT. If you're watching from the US, you can tune in to the action on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
You can stream ESPN Deportes live on fubo, which offers a free trial.
Can Real Madrid regain top spot in LaLiga?
Madrid start today's match with the opportunity to leapfrog city rivals Atlético Madrid at the top of the LaLiga standings. Los Merengues are one point behind Atlético, who suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Leganés on Saturday.
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