Mbappe’s brilliance helped Real Madrid defeat Las Palmas 4-1 at Bernabeu on the evening of January 19, thereby taking the lead in La Liga after round 20.

Welcoming Las Palmas at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid aims to win all 3 points. Coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded his strongest lineup with attacking stars such as Rodrygo, Diaz, Mbappe and conductor Bellingham.

Las Palmas unexpectedly opened the score 1-0 in the first minute, from the kick-off situation, Fabio Silva passed the ball to the right wing, Sandro Ramirez crossed and Silva himself rushed into the penalty area to finish close to the goal, defeating Courtois.

Mbappe shined with a double against Las Palmas (Photo: Reuters).

Real Madrid pushed forward and in the 17th minute, Rodrygo fell in the Las Palmas penalty area and the home team was awarded a penalty. Mbappe calmly beat goalkeeper Cillessen, equalizing 1-1 for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s constant pressure was evident in the 33rd minute. Mbappe dribbled at speed in midfield and fired a long-range shot. Cillessen blocked it but Vazquez was able to get down and cross the ball for Diaz to easily tap into the visitors’ net, helping Real Madrid lead 2-1.

Las Palmas’ defense could not withstand the relentless pressure from Real Madrid. In the 36th minute, Valverde tried to cut off the visitors’ pass in the middle of the field before passing to Rodrygo. The Brazilian striker crossed for Mbappe to finish into the top corner, making it 3-1 for Real Madrid.

Mbappe had the ball in the net again for Las Palmas in the 42nd minute but the goal was ruled out for offside. Real Madrid led 3-1 after the first 45 minutes and they continued to press in the second half.

In the 57th minute, Mbappe received the ball on the left side of the center near the 16m50 area. The French striker passed the ball to Fran Garcia who ran down the left wing and Garcia assisted Rodrygo to finish neatly into the far corner, bringing the score to 4-1.

Real Madrid leads La Liga after round 20 (Photo: Reuters).

In the 64th minute, Las Palmas had to play with one less player when Benito Ramirez violently kicked Lucas Vazquez. Initially, the referee showed a yellow card but after consulting VAR technology, he decided to show a red card.

Real Madrid played calmly and in the 74th minute, Bellingham put the ball in the net but VAR technology did not recognize the goal. In the 86th minute, Valverde’s goal was also denied by VAR due to offside.

Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory was maintained after the end of 90 minutes. “The White Vultures” continued to lead La Liga, 2 points ahead of Atletico and 7 points ahead of Barcelona after round 20.