Player Ratings as Real Madrid thrashes Las Palmas in the La Liga GW 20

A club like Real Madrid needs no second invite when they are in the title race. After trailing Barcelona in the first half of the season and Atletico Madrid dominating the proceedings just before the second half of the season kicks in, Real Madrid have staged a comeback to get going in the league. In the 20th gameweek of the campaign, Los Blancos registered a 4-1 victory against Las Palmas to secure a two-point lead in the title race. While this is way too early to predict anything, the win had certain characteristics that would say that Carlo Ancelotti’s men can turn around the campaign. 

Throughout the season, Real Madrid’s defense looked shaky, and it continued against Las Palmas as they conceded an early goal in 25 seconds. However, it was the response that shook the away team at Santiago Bernabeu. The attackers went all guns blazing after conceding that goal, scoring three in the first half and adding one more to make it 4-1.

The score would have looked completely different if it had not been for the offsides. Las Palmas' problems mounted significantly after they had a player sent off. The way Carlo Ancelotti’s men have responded after the 5-2 defeat against Barcelona in the cup trophy. 

Real Madrid concede early: A frantic first half for both teams

Real Madrid was fresh off the defeat against their arch-rivals and was waiting to draw the blood. However, their defensive frailty again cost them as they went on to concede a goal to Las Palmas in the first 25 seconds of the game. Fabio Silva found the back of the net to make it 0-1 for the away side. 

However, what Las Palmas did not expect was Real Madrid’s attack getting unleashed. For all the criticism Kylian Mbappe had faced this season, he responded with his laser-sharp attack as the player went on to equalize in the 18th minute via a penalty. Brahim Diaz sent Los Blancos into the lead after a pile driver shot from Kylian Mbappe was parried by the Las Palmas’ shot-stopper. Lucas Vazquez squared up the ball to Rodrygo at the far post to make it 2-1. 

The worst was yet to come, with Kylian Mbappe finding the top corner of the note after Rodrygo put up a delicious pass on the plate at the edge of the box. In the 42nd minute, Mbappe scored the hat trick but was ruled out offside following a VAR review. Teams went to half-time at 3-1. 

Real Madrid completes the rout: Las Palmas in distress after a red card

Real Madrid did not leave any stone unturned to find the fourth goal in the game and put the game to bed. While the attackers ventured forward, the offsides and fouls broke the momentum. However, Fran Garcia's assist to Rodrygo in the crowded box helped Real Madrid to go 4-1 in the 57th minute. 

In the 61st minute, Toro attempted a tackle that was above the waist and the referee awarded a yellow card. VAR insisted the referee check on the near screen, reversing the decision to a red card. With ten men, Las Palmas went to a defensive shell while Real Madrid continued to dominate the possession and the shots on target. In the 86th minute, Fede Valverde scored a banger of a goal from the edge of the box, but the referee again ruled it out for offside. Later in the remaining minutes, Real Madrid ensured that they didn't concede the goal. 

Stats Galore:

Throughout the game, Real Madrid had the higher possession with them having over 68% of the possession, and had 25 shots, 13 shots on the target. On the other hand, Las Palmas had just six shots, with two on target. 

Real Madrid- Player Ratings

• Thibaut Courtois– 7
• Lucas Vazquez – 6
• Raul Ascensio – 7
• Antonio Rudgier – 7
• Fran Garcia – 8
• Dani Ceballos – 8
• Fede Valverde – 7
• Jude Bellignham – 7
• Brahim Diaz – 8
• Kylian Mbappe – 9
• Rodrygo – 9 (Man of the Match)

Substitutes: David Alaba (6), Arda Guler (6), Endrick (NA), Chema Andres (NA), Lorenzo Agueda (NA)

Las Palmas - Player Ratings

• Jasper Cillessen – 7
• Álex Suárez – 6
• Juanma Herzog – 6
• Scott McKenna – 6
• Álex Muñoz – 6
• Sandro – 6
• Javier Munoz – 6
• Mika Mármol – 5
• Kirian Rodríguez – 5
• Alberto Moleiro – 6
• Fabio Silva – 7

Substitutes: Marc Cardona (6), Olie McBurnie (5), Manu Faster (5), Enzo Loiodice (NA), Benito Ramírez del Toro (4)

Next Match for Real Madrid: vs RB Salzburg, UEFA Champions League 7th GW, 22nd January

Next Match for Las Palmas: vs Osasuna, La Liga, 25th January