Ancelotti lauds 'best in the world' Mbappe after Las Palmas brace

Fabio Silva's goal after just 28 seconds stunned the Bernabeu into silence, but Mbappe restored parity from the penalty spot after Rodrygo was fouled by Sandro Ramirez.

Brahim Diaz then put Los Blancos ahead before Mbappe notched his second of the game three minutes later, with Rodrygo concluding the scoring after the break.

But Ancelotti showered particular praise on Mbappe, who ended the contest with the most touches in the opposition box (12) and chances created (five) for Madrid.

With his goals against Las Palmas, the Frenchman has crossed the 300-goal mark in his club career, scoring 18 for Real, 27 for Monaco and 256 for Paris Saint-Germain.

"(Mbappe is) the best centre forward in the world, there should be no doubt whether he could play in that position," Ancelotti told a press conference on Sunday.

"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."

Following a tough week in which they were booed by their home fans after a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final and an extra-time win over Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey, Madrid started slowly at the Bernabeu.

Silva's early goal was the second-fastest strike conceded by Madrid in the 21st century in LaLiga after Michu's 15-second strike against Rayo Vallecano in September 2011.

However, guided by an inspired Mbappe, they took advantage of Atletico Madrid's 1-0 loss at Leganes to retake the lead in the table, encouraging Ancelotti ahead of the final part of the campaign.

"In times of difficulty, it is necessary to be self-critical and positive in order to move forward," Ancelotti said.

"There is criticism and criticism. The booing at the Santiago Bernabeu hurts, because the fans are not happy, but it motivates.

"It was an useful wake-up call for the team, who have put in a good performance.