Kylian Mbappe delivered an inspired performance, scoring twice to lead Real Madrid to a 4-1 comeback victory over Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. The win propels the defending champions to the top of the Spanish La Liga table.
Real Madrid’s ascent to the summit came after capitalizing on Atletico Madrid’s surprising 1-0 defeat to Leganes on Saturday. With 46 points, Los Blancos now sit two points ahead of their city rivals, while third-placed Barcelona trails by seven after a 1-1 draw with Getafe.
The match began with a shock as Las Palmas took the lead just 25 seconds after kickoff. Fabio Silva found the net from close range, finishing a precise cross from Sandro. Undeterred, Real Madrid intensified their efforts, and Mbappe equalized from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after Rodrygo was fouled in the box.
With Vinicius Junior absent due to suspension, Mbappe took on the mantle of leading the attack. Showcasing one of his best performances since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, Mbappe was instrumental throughout, linking seamlessly with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.
Mbappe’s relentless pressure tested Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who was called into action multiple times. In the 33rd minute, after a powerful shot from Mbappe was parried away, Lucas Vazquez collected the rebound and set up Brahim Diaz to tap into an empty net, giving Real Madrid a 2-1 lead.
Just three minutes later, Mbappe extended the advantage with a superb first-time strike into the top corner from a Rodrygo assist. The momentum continued in the second half, with Rodrygo netting the fourth goal on a swift counter-attack in the 57th minute.
Las Palmas’ woes deepened when substitute Benito Ramirez was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Vazquez in the 64th minute. Despite easing their tempo, Real Madrid saw efforts from Mbappe, Bellingham, and Federico Valverde ruled out by VAR for offsides.
After the match, Mbappe expressed his delight, saying, “It was an important win for us because we took advantage of what happened to Atletico and Barcelona on Saturday. We wanted to win and we won. To concede an early goal is difficult, but the team’s reaction was brilliant. We played on attack, we looked for space, we scored a lot of goals.”
“It’s a dream to play for Real and to listen to the fans chant my name,” Mbappe added. “I’m very happy because I’ve adapted to the team, and I’m playing the way I want to play, and enjoying it again.”
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Mbappe shines as Real Madrid surge from behind to stomp Las Palmas 4-1
cgtn.com
