The former AC Milan loanee showed that Carlo Ancelotti's side can survive without their star man, at least against La Liga's lesser sides
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…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):
Didn't have much to do whatsoever. Will take the clean sheet.
Nacho (6/10):
Didn't offer much attacking threat on the right, and looked far more comfortable at centre-back.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
A very composed performance at the heart of defence. After starting the season as a third choice, he might be the only fit option going forward.
David Alaba (6/10):
Solid before going off injured shortly before half-time. A worrying one.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Preferred over Fran Garcia, and was steady, if unspectacular.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
Solid at the base of midfield, completing 90 percent of his passes. Put in a few nice tackles, too.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
His burst of pace in the middle was invaluable, and he distributed well, too. Faded a bit after moving to the right.
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
Constantly involved, and made plenty of driving runs from midfield. Completed the most dribbles in the match.
Brahim Diaz (8/10):
Stepped in for the rested Bellingham. Missed a couple of chances early before taking his goal well. A solid performance that outlined his credentials for further opportunities.
Getty ImagesAttack
Rodrygo (8/10):
Active around the box, assisted Joselu's goal. His understanding with the big striker is constantly improving. Was even better when playing alongside Vinicius.
Joselu (7/10):
Had three efforts wonderfully saved in the first half. Scored with his first effort after the break — a deserved goal.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Introduced for the injured Alaba. Set up Madrid's first.
Dani Ceballos (7/10):
Made his first appearance of the season after struggling with a knock. Turned in an excellent 25 minute showing.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Back from injury quicker than expected and looked a little rusty.
Toni Kroos (6/10):
Pinged the ball around for 20 minutes.
Fran Garcia (7/10):
Came on when the game was won. Looks better when he doesn't have to defend as much.
Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):
Made a bold call to bench Bellingham, but Madrid had enough about them to win. He will undoubtedly be pleased by Brahim's impact, as well as Vinicius' promising cameo. Madrid haven't played particularly well, and have still won six of seven.