Real Madrid vs. Las Palmas: Score and Reaction from 2015 La Liga Match

Isco gave Real Madrid a perfect start at home to Las Palmas in La Liga. His fourth-minute goal was added to by Cristiano Ronaldo and Jese Rodriguez, as Los Blancos eventually secured a 3-1 win. The result leaves Madrid top of the pile in Spain's top flight.

But manager Rafa Benitez's men were made to work for it. Plucky Las Palmas responded to being two down inside 15 minutes by grabbing a shock goal late in the first half via Hernan Santana Trujillo. Ultimately though, the class of Benitez's squad told, with Jese replying almost immediately to put Madrid back in control, even if the visitors pushed hard after the break.

The former Liverpool boss opted for a balanced starting 11, with Brazilian enforcer Casemiro, revitalised under Benitez, again anchoring a midfield also housing forward-thinking playmakers Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Madrid's official Twitter account provided the lineup:

The only other notable team news involved in-form goalkeeper Keylor Navas missing the game through injury per ESPN's Dermot Corrigan. He was replaced between the sticks by Kiko Casilla.

Here's the Las Palmas 11, courtesy of the club's official Twitter feed:

Corrigan noticed how the visitors were using a familiar face to lead a defensive team structure:

But their plan was undone before there was even five minutes on the clock. Goalkeeper Javi Varas made a mess of a pass and Madrid pounced in an instant to tee up Isco to sweep in the opening goal.

Corrigan noted how Casemiro and Real's aggressive tactics were keys to the early strike:

Then it was left-back Marcelo lofting a smart cross for Ronaldo to turn home with a deft header. The goal made the Portuguese powerhouse the joint-most prolific player in La Liga this season, according to Squawka:

Madrid were well and truly coasting at this point. Maybe that was the problem, because Las Palmas soon caught the visitors cold. Santana cleanly headed home a corner amid some non-existent marking in Real's box.

Real Madrid TV's Semra Hunter tweeted the scenes of joy among the travelling supporters:

Sadly, their joy was short-lived, as Jese staked Madrid back into a two-goal lead less than three minutes later. As a Las Palmas' native, Jese kept his celebration low key, according to Corrigan:

Low-key or not, Jese will be thrilled with his recent form in front of goal. WhoScored.com detailed his growing attacking influence for Los Merengues:

At the half, Benitez swapped Modric for winger Lucas Vazquez. The move seemed like a reference to Madrid's forthcoming foray back into the UEFA Champions League.

But it was the away side that began brightly. Willian Jose and Jonathan Viera both spurned chances. Then Casilla had to turn away a Jose free-kick.

Ronaldo couldn't connect with an inviting cross from Jese amid what became an increasingly frustrating half for Madrid's talisman. His frustrations appeared to reach boiling point in an unsavoury incident off the ball.

But Corrigan downplayed events:

The game slowed to a timid crawl for much of the second half. Madrid were in control but lacked verve and imagination going forward, while Las Palmas were unable to break effectively.

A double save from Varas to deny first Ronaldo, then Isco, in stoppage time closed things out.

Post-Match Reaction

Las Palmas gaffer Quique Setien praised Ronaldo's impact. He emphasised how difficult the free-scoring No. 7 is to track, no matter where he plays:

Ronaldo has played through the middle more often at times this season. He's lost none of his pace, but his anticipation doesn't seem quite as sharp as when he's cutting in from his favoured position on the left flank.

Meanwhile, Benitez addressed his decision to remove Modric at halftime. Worryingly he suggested the Croatian schemer has a fitness issue:

Modric would be a big miss in the Champions League. His calm authority on the ball is vital to Madrid's approach play, as well as their ability to control games. It's one of a growing number of injury concerns for Benitez.

Madrid have earned a three-point cushion at the top, ahead of archrivals Barcelona's potentially tricky trip to Getafe. Benitez and Co. can now turn their attentions to the return match with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, while Las Palmas remain three points adrift of safety in 19th place.