MADRID: Carlo Ancelotti expressed his pride in Kylian Mbappe’s performance as the Frenchman scored twice in a 4-1 home win over Las Palmas which lifted champions Real Madrid to the top of LaLiga.

Madrid’s coach said he had never doubted that the 26-year-old would find form after a slow start in the Spanish capital since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain, playing in a more centralised role up front.

Ancelotti said: “Mbappe is the best centre forward in the world, there should be no doubts as to whether he could play in that position. He is a great striker who is very good playing in the centre, rather than on the wing, because that way he can make the most of his unique runs, with speed and technique.”

Madrid, after a difficult week which included a 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and an extra-time 5-2 win over Celta Vigo in the Spanish cup, conceded a goal after only 25 seconds.

However, guided by an inspired Mbappe, they fought back and capitalised on Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Leganes on Saturday.

Real are top on 46 points, two ahead of their local rivals in second, with third-placed Barcelona trailing by seven points after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe.

Ancelotti’s side were shocked as Las Palmas took the lead 25 seconds after kickoff through Fabio Silva but Mbappe equalised from a penalty in the 18th minute after a foul on Rodrygo. Mbappe sparked the attack led to a second goal from Brahim Diaz and extended the advantage three minutes later from a Rodrygo cross.

Rodrygo scored the fourth in the 57th minute.

Mbappe said: “It was an important win. To concede an early goal is difficult but the team’s reaction was brilliant. We played on attack, we looked for space and we scored a lot of goals. It’s a dream to play for Real and to listen to the fans chant my name, I’m very happy because I’ve adapted to the team and I’m playing the way I want to play and enjoying it again.”

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