Rodrygo continued his scoring form to help Real Madrid easily win 2-0 over Granada on Saturday and regain the top spot in La Liga.
After Catalan club Girona snatched a 2-1 win over Valencia, they temporarily moved to the top, but Real Madrid fell above them on goal difference on a quiet evening in the capital.
Brahim Diaz opened the scoring midway through the first half and Rodrigo doubled the lead in the 57th minute at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Brazilian striker has scored seven goals in his last five matches in all competitions, appearing at the perfect time to maintain Real Madrid’s strong start to the season despite various absences.
Real Madrid is missing several key figures due to injury, from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to winger Vinicius Junior.
However, Los Blancos had enough to sweep past the Andalusians, placed 19th and struggling against relegation.
“(Rodrigo) is back to his best level and scored a lot of goals,” Ancelotti told reporters.
The coach praised midfielder Toni Kroos, who created Diaz’s first goal with a smart pass.
Ancelotti added: “He does not give away balls, he always chooses the best option. He is a midfielder who wants the ball.”
“He’s fearless and puts himself in a very good position. It’s his greatest virtue, and his control as well… When he’s not playing, he’s irreplaceable.”
Granada relied on a back five to try to keep Carlo Ancelotti’s side at bay, and although somewhat successful, Real Madrid’s three points were rarely in doubt.
Without creating any more chances, Real Madrid quickly took control of the match.
After 26 minutes, Kroos sent a wonderful pass to Diaz in the net and remained calm to push the ball gently to put Real Madrid ahead.
It was the former Manchester City playmaker’s second goal in four games, with Diaz showing he can help Rodrygo fill the gap left by Vinicius Junior’s injury.
Diaz told Real Madrid TV: “We played the football we know. It was almost a perfect match. We controlled the match and they only created a few chances against us.”
“We have been very focused and this is the work of the whole team and the players, who are amazing.”
Controllable performance
Jude Bellingham, La Liga’s top scorer with 11 goals, could have added another goal just before the end of the first half, but his shot across goal was blocked, and the ball swung wide.
The England international, who had earlier been booked for dissent, made a desperate plea for a penalty before half-time when he was tripped by Ignasi Mikel, who took the ball first, and his protest was waved away.
Real Madrid’s second goal arrived after a great team move, as Joselu and Diaz combined to pass the ball to Bellingham.
The midfielder’s shot was blocked by Granada goalkeeper Andre Ferreira, but Rodrigo raced on the rebound and slotted the ball into the net before the hour mark, which he has now scored in five consecutive matches.
Fede Valverde should have scored a third when Bellingham found him with a deft pass but Ferreira tipped his effort to safety.
Granada defender Ricard Sanchez told DAZN: “I think the team gave everything. We left our skin there, and we have nothing to criticize ourselves for.”
The visitors suffered a late blow when winger Brian Zaragoza went off injured.
Atletico Madrid, in third place, will visit defending champion Barcelona, in fourth place, on Sunday, as both are looking to reduce the gap separating first and second places.
