Real Madrid 2-0 Las Palmas: Brahim Diaz and Joselu on target as Real bounce back from derby defeat

Real Madrid returned to winning ways as goals from Brahim Diaz and Joselu saw off a stubborn Las Palmas side in La Liga on Wednesday night.

Just three days after their derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, Real knew they could go top of the league if they beat Las Palmas and Girona dropped points at Villarreal.

Initially, Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles thwarted Real, making seven saves and denying a frustrated Joselu on several occasions.

But it was 18th time a charm for Real, who scored with the last kick of the first half as Diaz’s effort found the top corner.

Joselu would then get the goal he deserved after the break, glancing in a header just moments before he was brought off for the returning Vinicius Jr.

As it was, Girona won 2-1 at Villarreal, meaning this year’s surprise package so far have overtaken Barcelona to top the table, with Real up to second.

And for added intrigue, Girona host Real next on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti was able to leave Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric on the bench against Las Palmas in preparation for that unlikely top-of-the-table showdown.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Joselu hadn’t scored all season going by his missed chances and then his reaction after scoring, but this turned out to be the third home league match in a row where he has found the target.

The celebration said it all, though, thumping the ground multiple times having missed a bag of first-half opportunities, although the Bernabeu were soon singing his name and showing they will back their new man – even if he is not quite the Karim Benzema replacement they are craving and undoubtedly need.

With Vinicius Jr. back in the fold, it will be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti lines up at Girona on Saturday. Drop Joselu? Back to Jude Bellingham as false nine? We’ll find out soon.

A menace all night. Real attacked down the wings frequently with Rodrygo at the heart of many of their chances. He assisted Joselu’s goal, and could/should have got on the scoresheet himself.

Real Madrid: Kepa 6, Nacho 7, Alaba 5, Rudiger 6, F. Mendy 7, Camavinga 7, Valverde 7, Tchouameni 7, Brahim Diaz 7, Joselu 7, Rodrygo 8. Subs: Vinicius Jr 6, Kroos 6, Vazquez 7, Ceballos 6, Fran Garcia 6.

Las Palmas: Valles 7, Araujo 6, Coco 6, Curbelo 6, Sinkgraven 6, Munir 6, Munoz 5, Mfulu 6, Viera 6, Herrera 6, Kaba 5. Subs: Marvin 6, Cardona 6, Perrone 6, Loiodice 6, Kirian 6.

8’ - BIG SAVE! A mistake from Mfulu puts Las Palmas under pressure and Joselu is in the box and picks out Rodrygo, whose low shot is fierce but down the middle, and though Valles is on the move across his line he is able to keep it out with what looks like his knee.

41’ - ALABA INJURED Some concern as Alaba walks off for further treatment… and straight down the tunnel! Lucas Vazquez is on to replace him, with Nacho moving into the middle.

44’ - VALLES TO THE RESCUE Some stop from Valles, who races off his line to close down the angle and deny Joselu with a super save following Valverde’s cross.

45+3’ GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-0 LAS PALMAS (DIAZ) At last Valles is beaten… and it’s not Joselu. It’s another cross and this time it’s Vazquez who picks out Diaz, who takes a touch before calmly slotting the ball into the far top corner. Fine finish.

54’ - GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-0 LAS PALMAS (JOSELU) The celebration says it all. His glancing header from Rodrygo’s cross finds the far corner of the net and he lets out all of his first-half frustrations by thumping the turf while celebrating his first and Real’s second on the night.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media