MADRID — Real Madrid reclaims the top position in the Spanish league, thanks to an impressive performance by Kylian Mbappé, who netted two goals in a decisive 4-1 victory over Las Palmas. The match, held at Santiago Bernabeu stadium, saw the French forward receive a warm applause from the crowd, a welcome sign after a season that has seen its share of ups and downs for him since joining the club.
“It’s always a dream to get a standing ovation at this stadium,” Mbappé shared. “I’m truly happy, as I’ve found my place in the team and can express my style of play. The harmony in the team is palpable, and every player embodies leadership because we are part of the greatest team in the world. Unity is our strength, as we aim for numerous victories. Winning is always the expectation at Real Madrid.”
With this latest performance, Mbappé has now accumulated four goals in the past four games. His teammates Brahim Díaz and Rodrygo also contributed to the scoreline, allowing Madrid to leapfrog Atletico Madrid as the league nears its midway point. Currently, Real Madrid holds a two-point advantage over Atletico, who suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Leganes in their most recent match, thus ending a remarkable 15-game winning streak. Additionally, Madrid’s victory extended their lead to seven points over Barcelona, who managed a 1-1 draw against Getafe.
“This match was crucial for us,” Mbappé commented. “With Atletico losing and Barcelona drawing, we knew a win was essential. Although we started on the back foot, conceding an early goal, our reaction was remarkable. We sought out spaces and played with speed and quality.”
This latest victory marked Madrid’s second consecutive win following a disappointing 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final earlier this month. In the 18th minute, Mbappé converted a penalty after a foul on Rodrygo, leveling the score after Fábio Silva had put Las Palmas ahead just a minute into the game. Later, Díaz scored to give Madrid a lead in the 33rd minute, followed by Mbappé’s second goal three minutes later, with Rodrygo assisting. Rodrygo then added his own name to the scoresheet in the 57th minute, marking his third goal in three matches.
Mbappé believed he had completed a hat trick just before halftime, but his goal was ruled offside, and he also struck the woodwork during added time of the first half. A Jude Bellingham goal was later disallowed after a review in the second half.
“Mbappé’s outstanding form is making a significant impact on our performance,” commented Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “Today, our execution was very effective. We found the right balance between managing our composed moments and tackling the tougher ones.”
Las Palmas, currently positioned 14th in the league, is facing a tough streak with three losses across competitions. Their challenges were aggravated when Benito Ramírez received a red card in the 64th minute for a harsh foul, overturning his initial yellow card following video review.
In further team news, defender David Alaba made his long-awaited return in the 77th minute since suffering a serious knee injury back in December. However, Madrid played without Vinícius Júnior, who was serving a suspension.
In other league action on the same day, Athletic Bilbao, currently in fourth place, secured a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, who are sitting in 13th. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano, positioned ninth, drew 1-1 with Osasuna, who are in 10th.
In club administration news, Florentino Pérez has been reelected as Real Madrid’s president without opposition, securing his role until 2029.
