Madrid were always going to struggle without Jude Bellingham, but they couldn’t have thought it would be this bad. Los Blancos didn’t show up for an hour yet managed to find a valuable burst of quality late on, overturning a deficit to beat Las Palmas 2-1.

The visitors lacked their usual attacking gusto, with Bellingham suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card last week. The onus instead fell on Rodrygo early on, only for the Brazilian forward to miss from five yards out in Los Blancos’ first big chance of the game. Las Palmas grew into the contest and were good value for their opener when it came. Early in the second half, the home side constructed a flowing move, one that ended with Javier Munoz slotting home from close range.

And then Madrid woke up. Vinicius Jr. was the catalyst for it all, lashing one into the far corner after a delightful through ball from Eduardo Camavinga. It was a set piece that finally settled things, however, as Toni Kroos whipped in a decisive delivery, which substitute Aurelien Tchouameni nodded into the far corner, sending the raucous corner of Madrid fans into raptures.

Ancelotti’s men comfortably saw the game out from there, the conclusion of which was the kind of scrappy, ugly showing that defines title-winning seasons. That they were able to do it without their star man is merely a bonus.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

Made an excellent save early in the second half at 0-0. Perhaps beaten too easily at the near post for Las Palmas’ goal.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

He scrambled up and down the wing with his usual gusto. I found the net, only to see the flag raised for offside. I did some good defensive work late on.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

After a relatively quiet first half, Las Palmas offered admittedly little going forward. Too easily exploited in the second and got lost in the build-up up to the goal. He redeemed himself with a few key interventions in the final minutes.

Nacho (5/10):

Let Munoz run across him too easily for the Las Palmas opener. Not exactly reliable in the air, nor strong in the tackle. He’s a reliable backup, but he’s undoubtedly a weakness.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Offered plenty of attacking thrust on the left and put in a few smart crosses. One of his best games in a Madrid shirt so far.

Midfield

Toni Kroos (8/10):

I did the usual composed stuff on the ball. He completed 95% of his passes and whipped in the corner to seal the win. He’s formed an excellent understanding with Carvajal as part of Ancelotti’s modified double pivot.

Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):

Flew into tackles and occupied spaces effectively. Provided the killer pass for the first goal, a lovely dink to a surging Vinicius, who did the rest.

Dani Ceballos (5/10):

He covered a lot of ground but never asserted himself in the game. Deservingly removed on the hour mark.

Brahim Diaz (5/10):

Charged with doing the creative stuff with Bellingham out. I didn’t get into the game, though, and I was hooked early. An opportunity was missed.

Attack

Rodrygo (5/10):

Could have been sent off early on after lashing out at an opponent. Lucky to avoid a second yellow after that. It was not his best showing.

Vinicius Jr. (8/10):

Flat in the first half. His touch seemed to desert him at times, and he didn’t complete a single dribble. Masterful in the second period, back to his usual trickery. He achieved his goal well.

Subs & Manager

Joselu (5/10):

Seven touches, no shots, as he had little impact off the bench.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

His legs in central midfield were valuable, but he didn’t find the necessary incisive pass.

Arda Guler (6/10):

Really should have made it three in stoppage time. He’s not at full sharpness yet.

Aurelien Tchouameni (8/10):

Played hero with a bullet header to win it. It was not a bad way to celebrate his 24th birthday.

Ferland Mendy (N/A): There is no time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

He rotated significantly, restructuring his midfield in the absence of Bellingham. Madrid didn’t start playing until they went 1-0 down, but they constructed yet another impressive comeback. A poor showing, but enough for three points. This is how titles are won.