Real Madrid Beat Las Palmas while Girona Move Top Of La Liga

Real Madrid registered a 2-0 win over Las Palmas on Wednesday to overtake Barcelona and move second. Surprisingly, Girona are the surprise La Liga leaders after a 2-1 win at Villarreal. Barcelona started the week top of the league but a 2-2 draw against Mallorca left the door open for their rivals to overtake them. Madrid produced a comfortable victory with goals from Brahim Diaz and Joselu, while Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior also made his return from injury as a second-half substitute, after being out over a month.

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What happened in the games?

"Vinicius came on with a lot of desire and hope, he wanted to score, and help the team," said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. "He's recovered but now he has to prepare well and be ready for the next game on Saturday when he will start."

Ancelotti rested Jude Bellingham and started Diaz in attacking midfield in the England international's position. Ancelotti also swapped both full-backs after the painful derby defeat by Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Ferland Mendy and Nacho started in place of Fran Garcia and Lucas Vazquez.

Real Madrid were on the front foot from the start against the newly promoted visitors from the Canary Islands. Joselu, on loan from Espanyol, had various chances to break the deadlock but was repeatedly denied by excellent Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles.

Vazquez replaced the injured David Alaba, with Nacho moving inside to centre-back and the substitute played a part in the opening goal just before the break. Diaz broke the deadlock, taking a touch to control Vazquez's cross and then firing into the top corner with a slight deflection.

Joselu delivered early in the second with a well-placed header from Rodrygo's cross that this time left Valles no chance. Vinicius made his return with over half an hour remaining as Ancelotti went back to a 4-3-3 system, having begun with the midfield diamond he has favoured this season.

Girona came from behind to beat Villarreal, with on-loan Barcelona defender Eric Garcia netting the winner. They are now a point ahead of Madrid. Dani Parejo sent Villarreal ahead from the penalty spot before Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk leveled for Girona and Garcia headed home after an hour.

Real Madrid will visit Montilivi on Saturday in a mouthwatering clash between the top two, while Barcelona host Sevilla on Friday in the La Liga.