Real Madrid cruised to a commanding 4-1 victory over UD Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé taking center stage as the man of the match after scoring a sensational brace. The game was anything but straightforward for Madrid, who were forced to mount a comeback after an explosive start from the visitors.
Watch: Kylian Mbappé brace against Las Palmas; sends Real Madrid to LaLiga first place
Las Palmas stunned the home crowd not even 30 seconds into the match, when Fabio Silva scored the second-fastest goal in the history of the Santiago Bernabéu.
LAS PALMAS TAKE THE LEAD OVER REAL MADRID WITHIN 30 SECONDS!!
A SHOCKING START AT THE BERNABEU FOR MADRID pic.twitter.com/Yu0g8vfyzD— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 19, 2025
Kylian Mbappé, however, was the catalyst for Real Madrid’s turnaround, converting a penalty in the 18th minute after a foul inside the box.
Kylian Mbappé ties it from the spot for Real Madrid!
Game on pic.twitter.com/ZbzZqAj5md— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 19, 2025
The goal seemed to inject confidence into the team, and just moments later, a rebound from an Mbappé long shot fell kindly to Lucas Vázquez, who squared it for Brahim Díaz to give Madrid a 2-1 lead. Mbappé wasn’t finished yet, though. In the 42nd minute, the French forward scored a spectacular first-time finish at the edge of the box, completing his brace and putting Madrid firmly in control before halftime.
INCREDIBLE FIRST-TIME FINISH FROM KYLIAN MBAPPÉ TO MAKE IT 3-1 REAL MADRID JUST THREE MINUTES AFTER BRAHIM DIAZ GAVE THEM THE LEAD!!
A FIRST-HALF BRACE FOR HIM! pic.twitter.com/Ik3Qgy6K9A— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 19, 2025
The second half saw more of the same attacking prowess from Madrid. In the 57th minute, Rodrygo got in on the action, tapping in a low cross inside the box to make it 4-1 and seal the result.
RODRYGO FROM FRAN GARCIA TO MAKE IT 4-1 REAL MADRID!
THEY'RE RUNNING AWAY WITH IT pic.twitter.com/QEBeGG7tAh— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 19, 2025
However, the cherry on top of an already perfect night came with the return of David Alaba. After 399 days on the sidelines due to injury, Alaba made his re-debut in the final moments of the match, earning a standing ovation from the Bernabéu faithful.
David Alaba comes on for Antonio Rüdiger in the 76th minute for Real Madrid.
His first appearance in 13 months for Real Madrid after being sidelined with an injury.What a moment pic.twitter.com/dC12RnsN2D
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 19, 2025
The win saw Real Madrid leapfrog Atlético Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table, with Madrid now at 49 points, three more to Atlético's 46. Barcelona trail in third with 39 points, as the title race continues to heat up.