Back on top! Las Palmas' custodian couldn't fight Los Blancos off

Real Madrid climbed above Barcelona into second in LaLiga after easing past Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabéu, extending Los Amarillos’ streak to 21 top-flight away games without a victory (5 draws, 16 losses).

Needing to recover swiftly from a chastening 3-1 defeat in El Derbi Madrileno at the weekend, Real predictably began on the front foot against their newly-promoted visitors. Having never previously won at the Bernabéu (5 draws, 29 losses), Las Palmas were arguably the perfect opponent for a Blancos response, with a clear plan of attack unfolding as several raking passes were pinged over Los Amarillos’ defence towards Joselu. The hosts continued to probe as the half wore on, seeing multiple efforts from Rodrygo, Joselu, and Nacho saved by a seemingly unbeatable Álvaro Valles before the breakthrough finally came on the stroke of halftime. A Federico Valverde switch of play found Lucas Vázquez, who cut back to Brahim Díaz for his first goal of the season.

Filling the boots of current Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema is an unenviable task that Joselu appeared to struggle with during the first period, however, the Spanish international made amends for his series of wasted chances shortly after the restart. Rodrygo teased his way into the box before picking out Joselu with a lofted cross, allowing the forward to guide a header beyond the helpless Valles - exactly what Carlo Ancelotti needed after a largely frustrating first half.

The introduction of previously injured Vinícius Júnior from the bench hardly inspired belief for Las Palmas, who now needed to double their La Liga account for the season if they were to claim anything from the contest. In truth, there was very little to suggest anything other than a Real victory, with the away side’s gameplan seemingly out the window after falling behind.

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A rather tepid end to proceedings saw Los Blancos canter to victory, bringing an end to a run of five home head-to-head encounters in which they have scored three goals or more ahead of a top-of-the-table clash with surprise leaders Girona. Having claimed a first league win since returning to the top-flight last time out, this was a reality check for a Las Palmas side who failed to register a shot in the first 70 minutes.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 7

Tuesday

Sevilla - Almeria 5-1 (3-0)

/En Nesyri 7, Lukebakio 8, Suso 38, Lamela 51, Salas 90+2 - Suarez 71 pen/

Real Mallorca - Barcelona 2-2 (2-1)

/Muriqi 8, Prats 45+3 - Raphinha 41, Lopez 75/

Wednesday

Ath.Bilbao - Getafe 2-2 (1-0)

/Berchiche 6, Inaki Williams 62 - Alvarez 51, Latasa 73/

Real Madrid - Las Palmas 2-0 (1-0)

/Diaz 45+2, Joselu 54/

Villareal - Girona 1-2 (0-0)

/Parejo 48 pen - Dovbyk 57, Garcia 62/

22.30: (2.65) Cadiz (3.15) Rayo Vallecano (3.00)

22.30: (2.70) Valencia (3.15) Sociedad (2.95)

Thursday

20.00: (1.80) Celta (3.60) Alaves (5.20)

20.00: (3.05) Granada (3.45) Betis (2.45)

22.30: (3.45) Osasuna (3.45) Atl.Madrid (2.25)

***odds are subject to change