Las Palmas vs Barcelona

Estadio de Gran Canaria is the venue as Las Palmas and Barcelona go head-to-head in their opening 2024 La Liga showdown.

While the end of 2023 wasn’t kind to Las Palmas as they went winless in back-to-back league games (D1, L1) after winning twice in a row beforehand, the hosts come into 2024 in a buoyant mood. Safe in mid-table comforts, closer to the European spots than a dreaded relegation zone in terms of points, Garcia Pimienta’s men have no reason to be afraid of Barcelona’s stature. Indeed, Estadio de Gran Canaria has been Las Palmas’ safe haven this season. They’ve only lost once in their eight home league outings (W4, D3) despite barely averaging over a goal per game. However, Las Palmas’ defense runs like clockwork, with ‘Los Amarillos’ only conceding five goals on home turf at an average of 0.62 per match.

On the other hand, Barcelona closed out 2023 on a high note, beating relegation-threatened Almeria 3-2 in an enthralling encounter on home soil to end a dismal run of two consecutive winless La Liga outings (D1, L1). But with table-topping duo Girona and Real Madrid beating Atletico Madrid and Mallorca, respectively, to kick off 2024 on the front foot, there’s no room for error. Xavi Hernandez’s lads already trail the La Liga pacesetters by ten points and can ill-afford to lose further ground if they’re to keep their title defense alive. Playing on the road bodes well, though. The reigning champions have yet to lose a league fixture away from home in 2023/24 (W3, D5). But with four of their last five La Liga travels ending level, Barca can’t take anything for granted.