Barcelona Faces Troubling Match Against UD Las Palmas This Weekend

LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, Spain — FC Barcelona will visit UD Las Palmas on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in a La Liga matchup that could significantly impact both teams amid anxiety for the relegation-threatened side. Barcelona, currently competing for the top spot in the league, aims to maintain momentum against a Las Palmas squad narrowly avoiding relegation.

Barcelona enters the match fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against Rayo Vallecano, thanks to a goal from Robert Lewandowski, who now leads La Liga with 20 goals this season. In contrast, Las Palmas faces mounting pressure after suffering a 3-1 defeat to RCD Mallorca, their sixth consecutive match without a win.

“This is a crucial match for us,” said Las Palmas head coach Diego Martínez, acknowledging the urgency for his team as they sit in 19th place in the league. “We are determined to turn our fortunes around and make a statement at home.” With 41 goals conceded, Las Palmas has struggled defensively, marking them as one of the weakest teams in the league.

The previous encounter between these teams saw Las Palmas emerge victorious with a surprising 2-1 win on November 30, 2024. During that match, Las Palmas managed only six shots, while Barcelona dominated possession with 23 attempts. “We need a game plan to neutralize their attack while capitalizing on our opportunities,” Martínez emphasized.

Team dynamics play a critical role for both sides. Las Palmas will miss key players due to injuries and suspensions, including captain Kirian Rodríguez, who is out for the season due to health issues. Meanwhile, Barcelona is expected to field a strong lineup, though they must contend with fatigue from their previous match.

Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, has praised his squad’s resilience but recognizes the challenges ahead. “Every game in La Liga is competitive, and traveling to Gran Canaria is never easy,” he remarked, noting the demanding circumstances players face in the isolated Canary Islands.

The match will take place at the Estadio Gran Canaria at 8:00 PM local time. As both teams gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating contest, fans eagerly anticipate whether Las Palmas can secure a much-needed victory or if Barcelona will consolidate their title chase against a struggling opponent.