Vinicius Jr brace keeps Real Madrid alive in La Liga title race with 2-0 win over Espanyol

Key facts

• Vinicius Jr scored twice (55', 66') to lead Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory at RCDE Stadium.
• Jude Bellingham provided a backheel assist for Vinicius's second goal.
• Espanyol have not won a match in 2026.
• Real Madrid kept their first La Liga clean sheet since February 8, 2026.
• Barcelona can clinch the title with a win or draw in El Clásico next Sunday.
• Kylian Mbappé was absent, enjoying a vacation in Italy; Brahim Díaz started in his place.
• Gonzalo García, introduced in the 53rd minute, assisted Vinicius's opening goal.

A lifeline in Catalonia

Real Madrid kept their faint La Liga title hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday evening, ensuring Barcelona were forced to wait at least another week before securing the championship. The win, secured by a brace from Vinicius Junior, was Madrid's first clean sheet in the league since February 8, a statistic that underscores the defensive frailties that have plagued Álvaro Arbeloa's side all season. Despite the eventual scoreline, it was Espanyol who made the sharper start. The hosts, winless in 2026, created the better chances in the opening stages, with Roberto Fernández and Rubén Sánchez both going close. Madrid struggled to establish any rhythm in possession, and the first half ended goalless, with Vinicius hitting the post as his side's only notable threat.

Vinicius breaks the deadlock

The game shifted early in the second half. Arbeloa introduced Gonzalo García in the 53rd minute, a decision that proved decisive. Two minutes later, Vinicius drove infield on a surging run, combined neatly with García, and finished calmly into the bottom corner to open the scoring. The goal was a reward for Madrid's increased intensity after the break. Espanyol continued to threaten sporadically, but their finishing lacked quality. Madrid, meanwhile, became increasingly dangerous in transition. The second goal on 66 minutes effectively settled the contest. A clever backheel from Jude Bellingham released Vinicius inside the box, and the Brazilian struck first-time into the top corner to complete his brace with a moment of real quality.

Missed chances and a fortunate escape

Madrid had further opportunities to extend their lead. Gonzalo García fired wide after making an impact off the bench, and Vinicius came close once or twice more. Bellingham had a shot well denied by Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic, who also saved from young substitute Franco Mastantuono. The margin could have been four or five, but Madrid settled for two. Trent Alexander-Arnold was fortunate not to be sent off for a series of bad challenges, earning a 5/10 rating from one analyst. The right-back created chances and kept the ball ticking but was lucky to escape a red card. Ferland Mendy managed just 14 minutes before being forced off with another injury, adding to Madrid's defensive concerns ahead of the crucial Clásico.

Individual performances under scrutiny

Player ratings reflected a mixed evening for Madrid. Andriy Lunin, the backup goalkeeper, made a couple of saves but had a relatively quiet night, earning a 6/10 or 8.2 depending on the source. Antonio Rüdiger was described as 'a bit frantic' but recovered well, while Dean Huijsen settled after early struggles. Federico Valverde covered enormous ground, playing about six different positions, and earned a 7/10. Aurelien Tchouaméni kept things tidy at the base of midfield, finishing with more defensive contributions than anyone else on the pitch. Jude Bellingham thrived in a freer role, driving forward and dropping deep, and produced the sublime assist for Vinicius's second goal. He was rated 8/10. Thiago Pitarch, however, had a difficult 50 minutes, overrun and outmuscled in midfield.

The Mbappé conundrum and tactical choices

Kylian Mbappé was absent, enjoying an impromptu vacation in Italy, leaving Brahim Díaz to start up top alongside Vinicius. The lack of a natural striker was evident, as Madrid's attacks often fizzled out with no one to finish crosses. This problem has occurred frequently this season, even when Mbappé is on the pitch. Arbeloa's continued refusal to start Gonzalo García, a natural No. 9, has been a point of frustration. When García finally entered the pitch in the 53rd minute, he immediately assisted Vinicius's breakthrough. Critics argue that fundamental issues with this Real Madrid team would have prevented them from winning silverware regardless, but the easiest solutions have often been ignored by both former boss Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa.

What comes next: El Clásico for the title

The three points were enough to deny Barcelona the La Liga title this weekend, but Real Madrid will need a win in El Clásico next Sunday to once again delay the inevitable. Barcelona can clinch the championship with a win or draw at the Santiago Bernabéu. For Madrid, losing the title in El Clásico would be a bitter fate. Espanyol, meanwhile, remain winless in 2026 and face a battle to avoid relegation. Their performance showed fight but lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble a top side. The match also saw Omar El Hilali initially sent off for a challenge on Vinicius, only for the decision to be downgraded to a yellow card after review, a moment that could have changed the game's complexion.

A hollow victory with deeper issues

While Madrid secured a vital win, the performance exposed persistent weaknesses. The team's reliance on individual brilliance from Vinicius and Bellingham masks structural problems in attack and defense. The clean sheet was only their first since February, and the midfield was overrun at times by a struggling Espanyol side. Arbeloa will be pleased with the result but knows that his team must improve significantly to challenge Barcelona in El Clásico. The title race may be all but over, but Madrid have at least delayed the inevitable and given themselves a chance, however slim, to salvage something from a disappointing season.

The bottom line

• Vinicius Jr's brace and Bellingham's assist kept Real Madrid's title hopes alive for at least another week.
• Espanyol remain winless in 2026, highlighting their dire form.
• Madrid's first clean sheet since February 8 was a rare defensive positive.
• Gonzalo García's impact off the bench suggests he should start more often.
• Barcelona can clinch La Liga with a win or draw in El Clásico next Sunday.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold was lucky to avoid a red card, a recurring disciplinary concern.