Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, May 4: Vinícius Júnior struck twice as Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-0 away victory over RCD Espanyol, postponing celebrations for rivals FC Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
A win for Espanyol would have handed Barcelona the championship with four games still remaining, but Madrid’s result ensured the contest will continue into the final stretch, with a potential title decider looming in next week’s Clásico.
Madrid remain 11 points behind Barcelona with 12 points still available, meaning Barcelona could still seal the title with a draw in their next match.
Vinícius came close early, hitting the woodwork from a deflected attempt, while Madrid suffered a setback as left-back Ferland Mendy was forced off with a muscle injury.
The match saw controversy when referee Jesús Gil Manzano initially sent off Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali for a foul on Vinícius, only to downgrade the decision to a yellow card after a VAR review.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin kept Madrid level with a key first-half save from Leandro Cabrera’s header.
The breakthrough came 10 minutes into the second half when Vinícius finished at the near post after a pass from Fede Valverde. He later added a second goal with a composed angled strike, assisted by a backheel from Jude Bellingham.
The victory keeps Madrid mathematically in the title race, though Espanyol continue to struggle for their first win of 2026.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Barcelona edged CA Osasuna 2-1, with late goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres after an 88th-minute equaliser had briefly threatened their lead.
Real Betis strengthened their push for Champions League qualification with a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo, while RC Celta de Vigo beat Elche 3-1, led by goals from Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias.
Rayo Vallecano moved closer to safety with a 2-0 win over Getafe CF, and Villarreal CF secured Champions League qualification after a dominant 5-1 victory over Levante UD.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid defeated Valencia CF 2-0 despite resting key players, and Athletic Club produced a comeback win over Deportivo Alavés, with Nico Williams scoring twice in a landmark match for coach Ernesto Valverde.