Real Madrid player ratings vs Las Palmas: Brahim Diaz steps up in Jude Bellingham's absence to get Los Blancos back to winning ways
The former AC Milan loanee showed that Carlo Ancelotti's side can survive without their star man
Brahim Diaz deputised admirably for the rested Jude Bellingham, scoring Madrid's opener and proving a creative nuisance in the middle of the park as Madrid comfortably saw off an ambitious Las Palmas side. The attacking midfielder, making his first Madrid start in La Liga since 2019, proved that his team, if nothing else, have a viable alternative when Bellingham needs a rest.
Madrid came close early on, Rodrygo stinging the palms of the goalkeeper after the home side won the ball in the Las Palmas box. There were further chances, too. Joselu was denied twice in quick succession, and Diaz squandered a one-on-one.
But the midfielder kept his composure in first half stoppage time, firing a shot into the top corner off a Lucas Vazquez cut-back. Madrid doubled their advantage early in the second half, with Joselu nodding Rodrygo's cross into the top corner after a flowing move.
Things died down after Diaz was replaced — shortly before the hour mark. Los Blancos created admittedly less, and had few chances. Still, they snagged three vital points in La Liga to overtake Barcelona, but stay behind surprise leaders Girona, in their pursuit of the league crown.
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