Kylian Mbappe shines as Real Madrid beats Las Palmas and takes the lead in the Spanish League

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals and produced a brilliant performance to lead Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory over Las Palmas and put the defending champions at the top of the Spanish Premier League on Sunday. Los Blancos enjoyed a perfect weekend, edging out Atletico Madrid by two points after their neighbors stumbled to a shock defeat at Leganes on Saturday, while third-placed Barcelona could only draw with Getafe. Mbappe has reached peak form in recent weeks after an inconsistent start at Real Madrid following his move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

The 26-year-old reached 12 league goals with his brace, becoming the second top scorer in La Liga behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

Mbappe now has 18 goals for the season in 30 appearances in all competitions, and is looking increasingly decisive for his team in attack.

With Vinicius Junior suspended, the spotlight was entirely on the French striker at the Santiago Bernabéu and he produced an impressive performance.

Las Palmas took a surprisingly early lead in just over 30 seconds when a quick move broke through Real Madrid’s defence.

Sandro Ramirez crossed for Fabio Silva to put in the finishing touch from close range.

Real Madrid responded strongly, as Brahim Diaz fired a shot wide of the goal when he should have scored, while Jasper Cillessen blocked Mbappe’s powerful shot.

Mbappe, who was heavily criticized after missing two penalty kicks at the end of 2024, equalized from the penalty spot after Sandro fouled Rodrigo.

The striker participated in Real Madrid’s second goal, as his rebound shot fell into the hands of Lucas Vazquez, who passed it to Diaz to shoot.

Mbappe scored his second goal with a wonderful touch into the top corner after Rodrigo cut the ball to him.

The striker thought he had completed his hat-trick before the end of the first half, but the goal was disallowed due to offside to Mbappe’s playing position in the build-up of the attack.

Jude Bellingham shot the ball into the side netting early in the second half when he was supposed to score, but Real Madrid’s fourth goal did not take long to arrive.

Rodrygo scored after a low cross from Fran Garcia after Mbappe had played at left-back.

Bellingham and Fede Valverde had goals ruled out for offside as Real Madrid continued to dominate, and they were able to welcome back David Alaba as a substitute after more than a year out with a serious knee injury.

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