Real Madrid vs Las Palmas, Real Madrid showcased their attacking prowess in a 4-1 victory over Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, powered by a sensational performance from Kylian Mbappe. With Vinicius Jr. suspended, the French superstar stepped up to lead Carlo Ancelotti’s side, delivering a brace and dominating the game to solidify Real Madrid’s position at the top of La Liga.
Here, we break down Real Madrid’s emphatic win, player ratings, and key moments from the game while analyzing its implications for their La Liga campaign.
Real Madrid vs Las Palmas: Kylian Mbappe Leads Real Madrid’s Charge
A Shaky Start
Real Madrid endured a nightmare opening when Fabio Silva scored for Las Palmas just 25 seconds into the match. The early goal marked the fastest goal Madrid has conceded since 2011, exposing defensive lapses and briefly unsettling Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Las Palmas’ opener came after a slick passing move, ending with Silva finishing calmly past Thibaut Courtois. However, the visitors’ early joy was short-lived as Madrid quickly found their rhythm.
Mbappe’s Heroics
Kylian Mbappe equalized from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Rodrygo was fouled inside the box. The Frenchman displayed composure and class, stepping up in the absence of Vinicius Jr. His second goal was a masterpiece, an arrowed shot into the top corner that left the Las Palmas goalkeeper helpless.
Though Mbappe’s hat-trick attempt was denied by an offside call, his overall performance was electrifying, silencing doubts about his adaptation to Madrid.
A Dominant Display
Brahim Diaz capitalized on a well-timed Lucas Vazquez cut-back to give Madrid the lead, while Rodrygo added a fourth with a brilliantly constructed goal in the second half. Madrid could have scored more, but disallowed goals and missed chances from Jude Bellingham and Brahim kept the scoreline at 4-1.
🤍🗣️ @KMbappe #RealMadridLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/gGbgfgbbcR
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 19, 2025
Player Ratings: Who Delivered for Real Madrid?
Goalkeeper and Defense
- Thibaut Courtois (6/10): Had no chance with the early goal and enjoyed a quiet game thereafter.
- Lucas Vazquez (6/10): Played a crucial role in Brahim’s goal but was culpable for Las Palmas’ opener.
- Raul Asencio (7/10): A composed performance from the youngster, showcasing his passing range.
- Antonio Rudiger (7/10): Commanded the backline effectively and earned a well-deserved rest late in the game.
- Fran Garcia (7/10): Excelled with his pace and attacking intent, making a strong case for a regular starting spot.
Midfield
- Dani Ceballos (8/10): Controlled the tempo brilliantly and delivered his best performance of the season. A true midfield maestro.
- Federico Valverde (7/10): Energetic and dynamic, unlucky to see a fantastic goal ruled out by VAR.
- Jude Bellingham (7/10): Dominated midfield play but lacked composure in front of goal, missing a few clear chances.
- Brahim Diaz (8/10): Clever in tight spaces and deservedly on the scoresheet. His creativity added a spark to Madrid’s attack.
Attack
- Kylian Mbappe (9/10): Delivered a masterclass with two goals and relentless attacking energy. Easily the best player on the pitch.
- Rodrygo (8/10): Operated in a free role, combining flair with effectiveness, contributing a goal and an assist.
Substitutes and Manager
- David Alaba (7/10): Made a solid return, adding stability to the defense in the final minutes.
- Arda Guler (7/10): Showed promise and creativity during his cameo.
- Endrick (N/A): Too little time to make an impact.
- Carlo Ancelotti (8/10): Handled the early setback brilliantly. His tactics and substitutions ensured Madrid’s dominance.
Key Moments of the Match
- Fabio Silva’s Stunning Opener: Las Palmas shocked Madrid with a goal just 25 seconds in, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
- Mbappe’s Penalty Equalizer: The Frenchman’s cool finish from the spot leveled the score and set the tone for Madrid’s resurgence.
- Mbappe’s Second Goal: A thunderous strike into the top corner showcased his class and gave Madrid breathing room.
- Rodrygo’s Finish: The Brazilian rounded off a team move to cap off Madrid’s scoring spree.
Tactical Analysis
Madrid’s Offensive Brilliance
Real Madrid’s attack thrived without Vinicius Jr., with Mbappe stepping into the spotlight. The interplay between Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, and Mbappe was fluid and effective, pulling Las Palmas’ defense out of shape.
Defensive Concerns
While Madrid dominated the game, the defensive lapse leading to Las Palmas’ opener highlighted vulnerabilities. Ancelotti will need to address these issues to ensure consistency in crucial matches.
Implications for La Liga
This victory puts Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, with a strong statement about their title aspirations. Their attacking depth and Mbappe’s form are promising signs, but defensive solidity remains an area for improvement.
Conclusion: Mbappe Leads Madrid to the Top
Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Las Palmas showcased their attacking firepower and resilience. Kylian Mbappe was the undisputed star, stepping up in Vinicius Jr.’s absence and delivering a performance that reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s best.
While the defensive lapse early on raised concerns, Carlo Ancelotti’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating their strength and depth. With this win, Real Madrid is firmly in the driver’s seat in the La Liga title race, and if Mbappe maintains this form, Los Blancos will be hard to stop.
And just like that, Real Madrid go top of the LALIGA table 👀 pic.twitter.com/yq7expe32X
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 19, 2025
FAQs About Real Madrid vs. Las Palmas
1. Who was the standout player in Real Madrid vs. Las Palmas?
Kylian Mbappe was the star, delivering a dominant performance with two goals and relentless attacking energy.
2. Why was Vinicius Jr. absent from the match?
Vinicius Jr. was serving a suspension following his red card in the previous match.
3. What does this win mean for Real Madrid in La Liga?
The victory propels Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, boosting their title hopes.
4. How did Las Palmas perform against Real Madrid?
Las Palmas started strong with an early goal but couldn’t maintain their momentum against Madrid’s superior quality.
5. What’s next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid will face Salzburg in the Champions League on January 23, aiming to build on their recent momentum.
Must Read: Barcelona vs Getafe
Barcelona vs Getafe: Barca lose important points in the title race 2025