Real Madrid returned to the top of the La Liga table in style on Sunday afternoon courtesy of a 4-1 success over 10-man Las Palmas at Bernabeu.
Atletico Madrid's shock defeat to Leganes on Saturday opened the door for Carlo Ancelotti's side to move to the summit, and the reigning champions proved to be far too strong for their opponents, who finished with a player less, with Benito Ramirez sent off in the second period for a high challenge on Lucas Vazquez.
Fabio Silva scored a shock opener for Las Palmas after 28 seconds, but Real Madrid then struck four times without reply, with Kylian Mbappe hitting a double, while Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo also registered for the hosts.
Los Blancos have moved two points clear of second-placed Atletico, while they are now seven points ahead of third-placed Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit only winning one of their last eight league fixtures.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Whisper it, but Mbappe is hitting his stride for Real Madrid, which spells bad news for the team's opponents at home and abroad.
There is no getting away from the fact that the forward has found it difficult to show his best form since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain, but this was a standout performance from the France international, who hit a brace and also played a key role in his side's leveller.
Mbappe now has 17 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season and finally looks to be warming up after a slow start.
For all of Los Blancos' issues this term, they are now top of the division, and with Barcelona currently struggling, Atletico could well be their main competition for the title this season.
Las Palmas arrived at Bernabeu looking to cause a surprise, and they made the perfect start, but the response from Real Madrid was sensational, with plenty of character on display.
Real Madrid have serious work to do when it comes to advancing to the next round of the Champions League, but they are sitting pretty in La Liga and once again look the team to beat in Spain's top flight this term.
REAL MADRID VS. LAS PALMAS HIGHLIGHTS
1st min: Real Madrid 0-1 Las Palmas (Fabio Silva)
Las Palmas take a shock lead inside 30 seconds at Bernabeu, as Silva taps a cross from Sandro Ramirez into the bottom corner - the home supporters have been silenced in the early exchanges of this contest.
18th min: Real Madrid 1-1 Las Palmas (Kylian Mbappe, penalty)
Real Madrid level the scores from the penalty spot, with Mbappe rolling the ball past the goalkeeper to equalise; Sandro Ramirez fouled Rodrygo inside the box, which allowed Los Blancos the chance to register from the spot.
33rd min: Real Madrid 2-1 Las Palmas (Brahim Diaz)
Real Madrid take the lead in the 33rd minute of the contest, as Brahim taps into the back of the net from close range after Lucas Vazquez had delivered a clever pass into the Las Palmas box - Mbappe was again heavily involved in the build-up.
36th min: Real Madrid 3-1 Las Palmas (Kylian Mbappe)
Real Madrid have a third in the latter stages of the first period, and it is a second for Mbappe, who guides a cross from Rodrygo into the back of the net - what a superb finish from the France international, who has been sensational in this first period.
57th min: Real Madrid 4-1 Las Palmas (Rodrygo)
Real Madrid score their fourth of the match in the 57th minute, with Rodrygo firing a low cross from Fran Garcia into the back of the net; Las Palmas just cannot live with the movement of the team in white here.
64th min: Benito Ramirez (Las Palmas) red card
Las Palmas are reduced to 10 men at Bernabeu, as Benito Ramirez is sent off for a high challenge on Vazquez.
MAN OF THE MATCH - KYLIAN MBAPPE
© Imago
Mbappe was unplayable on Sunday afternoon, with the 26-year-old scoring twice in his side's 4-1 success, while he also hit the woodwork during an excellent all-round performance.
Las Palmas found it incredibly difficult to live with the Frenchman when he found that extra gear, and he just pips Rodrygo to the award, with the Brazilian also brilliant for Real Madrid at Bernabeu.
REAL MADRID VS. LAS PALMAS MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 62%-38% Las Palmas
Shots: Real Madrid 26-6 Las Palmas
Shots on target: Real Madrid 13-2 Las Palmas
Corners: Real Madrid 8-2 Las Palmas
Fouls: Real Madrid 11-13 Las Palmas
BEST STAT
00:28 - Real Madrid have conceded their earliest goal in any competition (28 seconds) since September 2011 v Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga (Michu, 15 seconds). Surprise. pic.twitter.com/OrsYjA6JYI
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 19, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid's attention will now switch to the Champions League, with the team preparing to welcome Red Bull Salzburg to Bernabeu on Wednesday night; Los Blancos are currently 20th in the Champions League table, four points behind eighth-placed Lille.
Ancelotti's side will resume their La Liga campaign away to Real Valladolid on Saturday, while Las Palmas will be bidding to bounce back from their defeat in Madrid when they host Osasuna in Spain's top flight on Friday.
Matt Law
