Kylian Mbappé was in inspired form, scoring twice to guide Real Madrid to a comeback 4-1 win over visitors Las Palmas that lifted the champions to the top of La Liga.
Real leapfrogged Atlético Madrid, who lost 1-0 at lowly Leganés on Saturday, to sit top on 46 points, two ahead of their local rivals, with third-placed Barcelona trailing by seven points after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe.
Las Palmas took the lead 25 seconds after kick-off when Fábio Silva stroked home a Sandro Ramírez cross from close range, but Real piled on the pressure and Mbappé equalised from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after Rodrygo was fouled. Brahim Díaz scored in the 33rd minute to give Real the lead and Mbappé extended their advantage three minutes later with a fine first-time effort into the top corner from a cross by Rodrygo, who scored the fourth on a quick counterattack in the 57th minute.
Las Palmas were reduced to 10 men when the substitute Benito Ramírez received a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Lucas Vázquez in the 64th minute.
Dele Alli will aim to get his career back on track in Italy after signing an 18-month deal with Como. The former Tottenham midfielder has not played competitively since 2023 after a lengthy lay-off due to injury, addiction and mental health problems but will link up with the Serie A club managed by Cesc Fàbregas. The Como manager said: “The club believes in Dele’s potential and is committed to helping him rediscover his best form. His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the squad.” Como are 17th in Serie A and set to host Udinese on Monday night.
Inter beat Empoli 3-1 at home to keep pace with Napoli at the top of Serie A. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring with a curling shot after 55 minutes, Denzel Dumfries added a second with a powerful header from a corner in the 79th and Marcus Thuram sealed the win 10 minutes later after Empoli had reduced the deficit. Inter are second in the table with 47 points, three behind the leaders, Napoli, but with a game in hand. Empoli are 14th on 20 points.
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In Germany, Steffen Baumgart oversaw his first win as Union Berlin coach as his team ended its 11-game winless run with a 2-1 victory over Mainz in the Bundesliga. Goals from Benedict Hollerbach and Robert Skov gave Union their first win since October, and the first at the third attempt since former player Baumgart’s return as coach for the fired Bo Svensson.
