For Las Palmas, a win at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium has been an elusive feat. Speaking with Aythami Artiles, the former yellow captain reminisced about the closest they came to securing a victory. “This match is still etched in my memory, and we had it within our grasp.” Aythami reflected on the fateful encounter on March 1, 2017, where they were up against Real Madrid. Tied at 1-1 in the second half, a red card for Gareth Bale proved to be a turning point in the game. With the momentum on their side, Las Palmas took advantage of the man-down situation, scoring two quick goals. However, Real Madrid’s late comeback resulted in a 3-3 draw that tasted bittersweet for Las Palmas. “Drawing at the Bernabéu is an achievement in itself, but we couldn’t help but feel frustrated by the missed opportunity,” Aythami recalled.
A Dubious Penalty and Late Drama
As the match entered its final stages, the score was still 3-1 in favor of Las Palmas. However, a dubious handball call against Dani Castellano led to a penalty kick that Cristiano Ronaldo successfully converted in the 86th minute. This was followed by a corner kick goal just three minutes later. Aythami remembered the emotional turmoil he and his teammates experienced, having come so close to securing the win. “We were all upset, feeling like we had let the victory slip through our fingers.” In the heat of the moment, Aythami let out his frustration by kicking a trunk in the locker room tunnel, only to be reproached by Chendo.
A New Chance to Make History
Now, Las Palmas has another opportunity to rewrite history at the Santiago Bernabéu. Although the squad’s current standing doesn’t instill much confidence, Aythami sees the potential for an upset. “You never know what can happen in football. Perhaps they can take inspiration from their previous performances against top-tier teams.” Aythami cautions that Real Madrid’s recent form could work in either direction – their desire to prove themselves after a string of losses might result in an unpredictable match. Whatever the outcome, the game promises to be thrilling, with each side eager to prove their worth.
Learning from the Past
Though Las Palmas hasn’t secured a win at the Santiago Bernabéu, their overall performance has shown resilience and skill. Aythami believes the current squad can draw inspiration from their predecessors. Looking back, the lessons learned from the 2017 match can help shape the team’s strategy this time around, offering a promising chance to overcome their opponents and write a new chapter in their history at the iconic stadium.