NEW DELHI: Aurelien Tchouameni's dramatic late header secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Real Madrid against Las Palmas, propelling them to the top of La Liga on Saturday.
The win, achieved on Tchouameni's birthday, saw Carlo Ancelotti's side edge ahead of Girona by two points in the standings after both teams have played 21 games.
Las Palmas took an early second-half lead through Javier Munoz, putting Madrid on the back foot. However, the visitors mounted a comeback with Vinicius Junior finding the net to level the score.
The thrilling encounter reached its climax when Tchouameni, brought on just three minutes before, rose to head in a winner from Toni Kroos' corner.
Ancelotti, reflecting on his strategic substitutions, stated, "I look at the bench and I have chances to change the dynamic. It's a tool that we have, with such a motivated bench, they bring a lot when they come on."
Madrid played without leading goalscorer Jude Bellingham, who was suspended, and Ancelotti made other changes, including handing Dani Ceballos a rare start in midfield. Despite a first half with few opportunities, Las Palmas' Sergi Cardona posed a threat, narrowly avoiding a penalty after a challenge by Ceballos.
The promoted Las Palmas, managed by former Barcelona reserves coach Francisco Garcia Pimienta, demonstrated resilience against the reigning champions. However, Munoz broke the deadlock in the second half, finishing off a counter-attack orchestrated by Kirian Rodriguez and Sandro Ramirez.
Vinicius equalized for Madrid in the 65th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Eduardo Camavinga. The Brazilian forward made amends for an earlier missed chance by leveling the score. Ancelotti further intensified his attacking options, bringing on debutant Arda Guler and the eventual match-winner Tchouameni.
Tchouameni's decisive header from a corner proved crucial for Madrid, continuing their proficiency from set pieces this season. Las Palmas midfielder Munoz acknowledged Real Madrid's competitiveness, stating, "We have to be proud, we competed, congratulations to Real Madrid."
Real Madrid now sit at the top of La Liga, awaiting Girona's result against Celta Vigo on Sunday to determine their standing in the title race.
(With inputs from AFP)
