Real Madrid defeated Las Palmas 2-1 in a specular match played on Sunday evening at the Estadio de Gran Canaria in the Spanish La Liga, a match controlled, for the most part, by the hosts.
Madrid put a spirited effort despite going one man down as Sergio Ramos earned the 15th red card of his career.
It was Ramos who opened the score chart for Madrid in the 24th minute only for Las Palmas to equalise barely three minutes to go through William Jose.
Real Madrid silenced the cheering crowd with just a minute to go courtesy of a Casemiro header from a corner kick.
The Zinedine Zidane’s side were not totally their best as the home side dictated the pace, possession and play in front of their own fans.
They were, however, unfortunate to fall behind in the first half when Ramos angled a magnificent glancing header into the top corner from a corner kick.
But Las Palmas recovered and looked to have snatched a point when Willian Jose made the most of some slack play by Mateo Kovacic to dink a wonderful finish over Keylor Navas and into the net.
It was no more than the hosts deserved. However, Real Madrid hit back within moments, as Casemiro headed home from a corner kick delivery to the back post.
There was still time for Ramos to pick up a second booking as Real Madrid escaped from one of their displays of the season with three points.
Real Madrid might have emerged with three points, but this was arguably their worst performance of the season.
They were disjointed throughout and played the match with very little fluidity or cohesion.
They are a team of individuals, so will Zidane be given the time in the summer to forge this side into a team unit?
There was a poll conducted by a Madrid newspaper earlier this week which asked supporters who they would rather have as the Real Madrid number one next season: Keylor Navas or David De Gea?
They voted overwhelmingly for the Costa Rican, and on this performance it’s easy to see why.
Navas once again was the difference for Real Madrid, saving their turgid defence time after time. Where would they be without him? Even further adrift of Barcelona, most likely.
[sportsmo.com]