Real Madrid player ratings vs Las Palmas: Brahim Diaz steps up in Jude Bellingham's absence to get Los Blancos back to winning ways

Brahim Diaz deputised admirably for the rested Jude Bellingham, scoring Real Madrid's opener and proving a creative nuisance in the middle of the park as they comfortably saw off an ambitious Las Palmas side on Wednesday. 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 goalkeeper Alvaro Valles after the home side won the ball in the Las Palmas box. There were further chances, too, as Joselu was denied twice in quick succession, and Brahim 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 then 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 Brahim was replaced shortly before the hour mark, as 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 - and their opponents this Saturday - Girona.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu...