In a Bernabéu that buzzed with a sense of return, Brahim Díaz sparked Real Madrid to a clean 2-0 victory over Las Palmas, a win celebrated as much for the performance as for the emotional payoff. Vinícius Júnior received a warm ovation from the stands and his teammates on the bench shared in the moment, signaling a renewed sense of optimism for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. From the opposite dugout, the English coach watched the developments unfold with a mix of concern and quiet satisfaction, seeing his plan take shape in a match that mattered in the title chase.
Madrid clinched the derby-like atmosphere by overcoming a stubborn Las Palmas outfit that battled with discipline and shape. Brahim Díaz opened the scoring, a strike that reflected the home side’s cleaner combinations and patient buildup, a sign that the midfield was gaining fluency after recent blips. Joselu Mato then sealed the result, converting a late opportunity and reinforcing Real Madrid’s position in La Liga’s top-tier fight. While Barcelona led the charge at the summit, Girona’s surprising momentum—elevated by a victory at Villarreal—kept the title race unexpectedly tight and added pressure on Madrid to maintain momentum match after match.
The flow of the first half was characterized by a flurry of chances produced by Madrid, with Brahim’s finish providing the decisive breakthrough. The visitors rarely tested the goalkeeper in the early exchanges, instead absorbing pressure and looking to exploit transitions when possible. It was a half defined by careful, measured play—long possessions and careful ball movement that, in the end, found the right moment to unlock the Las Palmas defense. The Canary Islands side, for their part, demonstrated resilience by staying compact and waiting for openings that would warrant a more direct foray, a strategy that kept the scoreline within reach for a significant portion of the game.
On the tactical front, Madrid’s approach mixed measured buildup with swift, vertical plays when the opportunity arose. The full-backs contributed width, and the central midfielders pressed with intent to win recovery and recycle the ball into dangerous zones. The return of Dani Ceballos added a layer of technical assurance in midfield, while Vinícius Júnior’s presence on the flank offered pace and a threat that Las Palmas had to respect throughout. The positive mood from Vinícius’ return contrasted with the setback of David Alaba’s injury, which briefly darkened the mood but did not derail the team’s focus or execution.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid’s control became more evident. The second goal, delivered by Joselu Mato, capped a sequence that showcased the team’s cohesion and efficiency in front of goal. The goal effectively ended any late-game nerves and reinforced Madrid’s ascent in a league that continues to throw up surprises from clubs like Girona and Villarreal. The result also provided a psychological lift for players and fans alike, reinforcing Madrid’s identity as a side that can win titles through a blend of depth, experience, and the occasional spark from a homegrown talent like Brahim Díaz.
Heading into the next fixtures, Real Madrid will look to sustain this level of performance and continue accruing points as the title race narrows. The squad’s resilience, reflected in the ability to rotate personnel without losing tempo, will be crucial in the busy months ahead. As for Las Palmas, the defeat will serve as a learning experience in their ongoing campaign, highlighting the level of discipline and composure needed to compete in the top tier week in and week out. The day’s events underscored the unpredictability of La Liga, where every matchup offers a chance to shift momentum and redefine expectations for fans across Canada and the United States who follow the European championship scene, and where Real Madrid’s intent to stay in the hunt remains clear and focused.
View the scores of Carlo Ancelotti’s footballers here… (Goal)