Barrera rates Luis García's Mallorca three points behind Las Palmas at Son Moix

Under the floodlights of Son Moix, Rubén de la Barrera steps onto the pitch with a confident smile, his eyes fixed on the young faces that have become the backbone of his side. The yellow‑clad Las Palmas know a win here could lift them into the upper echelons of the table.

Cantera as the main weapon

Barrera, a former Deportivo coach, has placed the cantera at the heart of his early‑season plan, trusting the likes of Rafa Cruz, Elías Romero, Adrián Rodríguez and Iván Medina – all of whom have already tasted league action. He recalls promoting Yeremay at Deportivo and now wants these youngsters to be a competitive alternative, not merely an emergency fix.

The club’s reliance on youth reflects the harsh reality of a squad battered by injuries. In Gran Canaria, the young players have suddenly become the answer to a defensive line that has been reshuffled seven times in eight rounds.

High‑stakes clash with Mallorca

Las Palmas travel to Mallorca seeking three points that would give them a qualitative jump in the race for promotion to Primera. Currently fifth with 14 points, they sit six behind leaders Eibar, while the gap to the relegation zone remains narrow.

“It is a great rival, but they are three points,” Barrera said, underscoring the fine margin that separates the two sides.

Jesé, the team’s reference player, will miss the encounter after a muscle injury against Valladolid, adding to a list of absences that forces tactical adjustments.

For the island trip, Las Palmas also regain Rafa Cruz, Iñaki González and Juanma Herzog – the first two returning from Spain duties and the latter cleared after serving a suspension from the Eibar clash.

In this decisive weekend fixture, a victory would restore stability and confidence for both the squad and Barrera, whose job has been under speculation.