Real Madrid rebounded from their bitter derby loss by defeating lowly Las Palmas 2-0 at home on Wednesday, with to goals from Brahim Diaz and Joselu.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti made five changes to the starting lineup that was defeated 3-1 by Atletico Madrid on Sunday, resting LaLiga’s leading scorer Jude Bellingham and giving newcomer Diaz his first start of the season.
The hosts were by much the superior team, but they missed more than a dozen clear-cut chances in the first half, with Diaz and Joselu wasting close-range sitters.
They were also thwarted by goalie lvaro Valles, who made several excellent stops before Diaz broke the deadlock with a close-range drive deep into first-half stoppage time.
Substitute Lucas Vázquez provided a low cross from inside the box to Diaz, who fired an unstoppable strike into the top corner of the net.
Alaba added to Madrid’s injury troubles, which already included Thibaut Courtois and Éder Milito.
Arda Güler, who was supposed to be available against Las Palmas after recovering from knee surgery, suffered a thigh injury in training, delaying his debut even further.
However, Brazil forward Vinicius Junior returned from the bench after a month off, while Ferland Mendy returned to the starting lineup and Danica Carvajal was an unused replacement.
Joselu doubled Real’s advantage in the 54th minute, nodding in a floated cross from Rodrygo, and the hosts cruised to victory.
Madrid jumped to second place with 18 points, passing third-placed Barcelona, who were beaten to a 2-2 tie by Mallorca on Tuesday.
Girona are the surprise leaders with 19 points after coming from behind to win 2-1 against Villarreal on Wednesday and remain unbeaten after seven LaLiga games.
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