Kylian Mbappé delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice and guiding Real Madrid to a commanding 4-1 win over Las Palmas on Sunday, propelling the reigning champions to the top of La Liga.
The result was a perfect one for Los Blancos, who capitalized on Atletico Madrid’s surprising defeat to Leganés on Saturday and Barcelona’s 1-1 draw at Getafe. With the win, Real Madrid leapfrogged Atletico Madrid into first place, leading by two points.
Mbappé, who has found his rhythm in recent weeks following a slow start to life at the Santiago Bernabéu, took his tally to 12 league goals, moving to second in the La Liga scoring charts behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski. The 26-year-old forward’s two goals were complemented by strikes from Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo Goes, ensuring a dominant victory for Madrid.
“This was a very important game because we knew what had happened with Atletico and Barcelona,” Mbappé said after the match on Real Madrid TV. “We wanted to win and we did. We started badly, letting in a goal so early, but the reaction was top. We got the ball forward quickly, attacking the spaces with quality, and scored a lot of goals. We’re happy because we’re leaders.”
Mbappé has now scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, becoming increasingly crucial to Madrid’s attacking play. With Vinícius Júnior suspended, all eyes were on the French forward, and he did not disappoint with a performance full of personality and flair.
“I’m very happy,” Mbappé continued. “I’ve adapted to the team and can play how I want, with my teammates, with personality. I think we are all enjoying it.”
The match did not start well for Madrid, as Las Palmas took an early lead in the first minute. Sandro Ramirez provided the assist for Fabio Silva to finish from close range, putting Madrid on the back foot. However, the hosts quickly responded, with Mbappé earning a penalty after being fouled by Sandro, which he converted calmly to equalize.
Madrid continued to dominate. Mbappé’s initial shot was saved by Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, but the rebound fell to Lucas Vazquez, who squared it for Brahim Diaz to put Madrid ahead. Mbappé then added his second of the day, curling a beautiful shot into the top corner after a slick assist from Rodrygo. Although he thought he had completed a hat-trick before halftime, his third goal was ruled offside.
In the second half, Madrid’s pressure continued, with Rodrygo sealing the victory with a clinical finish after Mbappé set up Fran García’s low cross. Despite disallowed goals from Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde due to offside, Madrid’s dominance remained unquestioned.
The match also marked the return of David Alaba, who had been sidelined for over a year due to a serious knee injury. His return was a boost for the team, with midfielder Dani Ceballos expressing his delight. “(Alaba) is a player who can help us a lot,” Ceballos said. “You don’t know how much it means for us to have him back on the pitch with us.”
Ceballos also shone on the day, receiving a warm ovation from the Bernabéu faithful for his superb performance. “I’ve worked, waited for my moment, and now I have to keep working,” he reflected.
With Mbappé in top form and the team clicking into gear, Real Madrid look poised to continue their push for titles as they head into the second half of the season.
