Real Madrid secured a 4-1 win over UD Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabéu, with a brace from Kylian Mbappé and goals from Brahim Díaz and Rodrygo. David Alaba returned after 399 days, as Real reclaimed the top spot in LaLiga.
Introduction:
Real Madrid reclaimed their top spot in LaLiga with a 4-1 win over UD Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Madridistas responded to an early shocker with a strong attacking display through Kylian Mbappé’s brace, Brahim Díaz’s strike, and Rodrygo’s clinical finish. It marked the team’s 14th league victory for the season as David Alaba made a strong comeback from his injury which has left him away for 399 days.
See also: Mbappé and Rodrygo Shine as Madrid Defeat Sevilla 4-2

Early Drama: Las Palmas Strike First
The match started in a surprise, as Fábio Silva put the visitors in the lead with just 26 seconds on the clock, finishing off Sandro’s cross with precision. Real Madrid immediately took control from there, pressing forward with relentless attacking play. Only three minutes after that, Rodrygo had a chance to equalize after a magnificent combination with Jude Bellingham and Mbappé, but his cross to Brahim at the far post narrowly went past the post. See also: Kylian Mbappé Scores First Hat-Trick for Real Madrid in 3-0 Win

The equalizer finally came in the 18th minute when Sandro fouled Rodrygo in the box, and Mbappé coolly converted the resulting penalty. From that point, Madrid shifted into high gear.

Kylian Mbappé and Brahim Diaz Turn the Game Around
The visitors, however, controlled the first half with an inspired Kylian Mbappé leading the charge. In the 33rd minute, Lucas Vázquez, capitalizing on a deflected save from the Las Palmas goalkeeper, was able to create space for Brahim Díaz, who finished with a left-footed strike into the net to make it 2-1.

Mbappé further enhanced the lead with a second of the game after five minutes. Rodrygo did an intelligent pass that found him in the box, and this forced him to find the bottom-left corner of the goal with a clinical finish. The season tally rose to 18 for him at this stage.
He thought he had finished off his hat-trick but prior to half-time, VAR intervened, ruling offside.

Ancelotti’s men maintained their intensity after the break, with Jude Bellingham coming close in the 49th minute after skillfully rounding goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, only to hit the side netting. The fourth goal came soon after as Fran García’s low cross was perfectly converted by Rodrygo, sealing the 4-1 score line in the 53rd minute.

VAR Drama and Alaba’s Triumphant Return
The second half also witnessed several important VAR interventions. In the 63rd minute, referee Quintero González upgraded Benito’s high challenge on Lucas Vázquez from yellow to red card and left Las Palmas down to 10 men.
The Reds continued pushing to net more, where Valverde and Bellingham got within inches. VAR ruled a supposed Valverde score at the 73rd minute to be offside against Antonio Rüdiger. The Bernabéu burst into applause upon David Alaba’s return to action in the 75th minute after a longer period away than a year without playing because of injury.

Valverde scored another spectacular long-range strike in the 85th minute, but once again, the goal was ruled offside. Madrid’s control ensured that the 4-1 score remained intact.

Important Takeaways
Mbappé was brilliant, scoring twice and providing an assist to Rodrygo’s goal. His contributions made all the difference for Madrid in this match.
Solid Team Performance: Brahim Díaz and Rodrygo were also standout performers, contributing with crucial goals and creating numerous chances.
Alaba’s Return: After 399 days out, Alaba’s return was a special moment for the team and fans, underlining his importance to the squad.

League Standings
This win puts Real Madrid back at the top of LaLiga, with 14 wins this season. The victory sealed their status as favorites, demonstrating their depth, resilience, and attacking power.
Future Perspective
The side will aim to carry this momentum forward in the forthcoming matches, hoping to build upon their lead at the top. For Las Palmas, it’s a bitter pill to swallow as they face one of Europe’s elite teams. The loss teaches them an important lesson and will need to regroup for their next challenge.