The China Mail - Mbappe shines as Real Madrid thrash Las Palmas to claim Liga lead

Los Blancos enjoyed a perfect weekend, overtaking Atletico Madrid by two points after their neighbours slipped up with a shock defeat at Leganes on Saturday, while Barcelona, third, could only draw at Getafe.

Mbappe has hit top form in recent weeks after an inconsistent start to life at Real Madrid following his dream switch from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

The 26-year-old reached 12 league goals with his brace, becoming the Spanish league's second top-scorer behind Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski.

Mbappe now has 18 goals for the season in 30 appearances across all competitions, and is looking increasingly crucial for his side in attack.

With Vinicius Junior suspended, the spotlight was entirely on the French forward at the Santiago Bernabeu and he delivered with a sparkling performance.

Las Palmas took a surprise early lead in just over 30 seconds when a rapid move sliced open Madrid's defence.

Sandro Ramirez crossed for Fabio Silva to apply the finishing touch from close range.

Madrid hit back strongly, with Brahim Diaz shooting wide when he should have scored, and Mbappe's fierce effort tipped away by Jasper Cillessen.

Mbappe, who came in for heavy criticism after missing two penalties towards the end of 2024, levelled from the spot after Sandro clumsily felled Rodrygo.

The striker was involved in Madrid's second goal, with the rebound from his saved shot falling to Lucas Vazquez, who squared for Diaz to convert.

Mbappe netted his second with a fine finish which arced into the top corner after Rodrygo cut the ball back to him.

The forward thought he had completed his hat-trick before the break but the goal was ruled offside for a position Mbappe took up in the build-up.

Jude Bellingham hit the side-netting early in the second half when he should have scored, but Madrid's fourth goal did not take long to arrive.

Rodrygo stroked home from Fran Garcia's low cross after Mbappe played the left-back in.

Bellingham and Fede Valverde had goals ruled out for offside as Madrid continued to dominate, and they were able to welcome David Alaba back as a substitute after more than a year out with a serious knee injury.

M.Chau--ThChM