MADRID — Kylian Mbappé credits a change in mentality for starting to play better for Real Madrid. Mbappé has struggled in his first season with Madrid but has been gradually meeting the expectations that came with his high profile.

Kylian Mbappe ’s first-half display and a great performance from Dani Ceballos paved the way for Real Madrid to move two points clear of Atletico Madrid — who lost 1-0 at Leganes — and seven ahead of Barcelona. And there was more good news as David Alaba returned, 399 days after his serious knee injury.

Kylian Mbappe almost single-handedly beat UD Las Palmas as Real Madrid managed to earn a 4-1 La Liga win at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, January 19. Las Pal