Three takeaways from Real Madrid 4-1 Las Palmas | OneFootball

When Las Palmas scored in just the first minute of their clash against Real Madrid on Sunday, it appeared the men in white would be in for yet another long day.

What followed, however, was an absolute destruction of the Canary Islands-based side as Real Madrid ruthlessly put four goals past them and could well have put four more.

In 90 minutes, Carlo Ancelotti’s side created an xG of 5.90, had nine big chances and took a staggering 25 shots on the night. They were not uncomfortable at any point in the game and made a statement after their rocky start to the year.

Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Real Madrid 4-1 Las Palmas.

No Vinicius, no problem

Vinicius Jr.’s suspension against Las Palmas did not affect Real Madrid’s plans or attack in the slightest, and that is the biggest positive for Carlo Ancelotti to take away from last night’s performance.

In the Brazilian’s absence, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz all stepped up cumulatively to steer Real Madrid to a comeback win. To each player, the game meant something special.

Mbappe has been on his way back to his best for a while now. It was not an easy start to the season for the Frenchman, but last night’s game was the first time it looked like he took matters into his own hands and stepped up.

In ninety minutes, Mbappe scored two goals, hit the woodwork twice, had five shots on target and completed two dribbles. He even completed a first-half hat-trick but was unlucky to be denied by VAR.

To add to his impressive display in front of goal, he racked up a staggering five key passes and created two big chances as well, rounding up a complete performance that he can be proud of.

The man-of-the-match winner’s performance was complemented by a good showing from Rodrygo who made a strong statement that he does not deserve to be dropped from the starting lineup.

The Brazilian also got on the scoresheet once, provided one assist and had four key passes to his name.

The warrior returns

Alaback. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

399 days after he went down injured with an ACL injury, David Alaba returned to the field last night and there is nothing Carlo Ancelotti will celebrate more than the veteran’s return.

It has been a difficult year for the Austrian star as he faced roadblocks at every step in his recovery. After missing multiple deadlines and at one point even rumoured to be considering retiring from the sport, Alaba’s return last night was an emotional moment.

The clock read 76 minutes when Ancelotti signalled for the veteran to get on the field. Antonio Rudiger made his way off the grasses and Alaba stepped on to a rousing cheer and one hopes it marked the start of something special.

He played 14 minutes in Real Madrid’s win over Las Palmas, completing 93% of his passes and not being forced to make any key defensive intervention.

Ancelotti and Co. will be careful so as to avoid repeating what happened in Eder Militao’s case. Alaba will be phased in gradually over the next month before being placed as a starter.

Yet, it can only be good news for the manager that he finally has two first-team centre-backs whom he can count on as starters. The Alaba-Rudiger pairing will be back for the business end of the season and one cannot help but be excited.

Leaders at last

The three points against Diego Martinez’s side are worth their weight in gold. In many ways, it may go down as Real Madrid’s most significant win yet in the competition.

It was an eventful week in La Liga as Atletico dropped three points to Leganes and Barcelona only managed a draw against Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Real Madrid’s win, thus, takes them clear of Atletico Madrid on to 46 points and establishes them as clear leaders.

With 20 games played in the league, Los Blancos are two points ahead of their neighbours and a full seven points clear of Barcelona who have been in a rut domestically. The reflection of their hard work on the standings is an indication that they are on the right track.

As reiterated by the manager after the game, Real Madrid may not play the best or most attractive brand of football. What they do know to do, however, is win and they did just that last night, albeit in grand style.

The league title is now theirs to lose. There is indeed a long way to go, but Real Madrid are now the favourites to defend their domestic crown.