Vinícius Júnior Double Keeps Barcelona Waiting for La Liga Title After Real Madrid Beat Espanyol

Key facts

• Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 in the 34th round of LaLiga EA Sports 25/26.
• Vinícius Júnior scored both goals, in the 55th and 66th minutes, taking his league tally to 15 for the season.
• Vinícius Júnior has now scored 126 goals for Real Madrid in 372 appearances.
• Real Madrid held 66% possession and posted an expected goals figure of 1.66 to Espanyol's 1.26.
• Espanyol had more total shots (17) than Real Madrid (15) but were less efficient.
• Barcelona can seal the La Liga title by beating Real Madrid in the El Clásico next Sunday.
• Gonzalo García assisted Vinícius Júnior's first goal; Jude Bellingham set up the second.
• Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin started, with Thibaut Courtois expected to return for El Clásico.

A Professional Win That Postpones the Inevitable

Real Madrid delayed Barcelona's La Liga title celebrations with a composed 2-0 victory over Espanyol at RCDE Stadium on Sunday. The win ensures that Barcelona, currently leading the table, cannot clinch the championship until at least next weekend. Carlo Ancelotti's side controlled the tempo from the outset, dominating possession with 66% of the ball. Despite Espanyol registering more shots — 17 to Real Madrid's 15 — the visitors created clearer opportunities, reflected in a superior expected goals figure of 1.66 against 1.26.

Vinícius Júnior Strikes Twice to Break Espanyol Resistance

The match remained goalless until the 55th minute, when Gonzalo García threaded a pass to Vinícius Júnior, who slotted home his 14th league goal of the campaign. Just 11 minutes later, Jude Bellingham turned provider, feeding the Brazilian for a second finish that effectively ended the contest. Vinícius Júnior's double took his La Liga tally to 15 goals in 33 matches and his overall Real Madrid goal count to 126 in 372 appearances. The 24-year-old was the standout performer, combining clinical finishing with relentless movement to unsettle the Espanyol defence.

Espanyol's Effort Falls Short Against Efficient Visitors

Espanyol battled throughout and forced Real Madrid to work defensively, but their finishing lacked precision. The home side managed only five shots on target from 17 attempts, while Real Madrid placed five of their 15 efforts on goal. Real Madrid's lineup featured Andriy Lunin in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, and Ferland Mendy forming the back four. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde anchored midfield, supporting Jude Bellingham, Thiago Pitarch, Brahim Díaz, and Vinícius Júnior.

Barcelona's Title Scenario Now Hinges on El Clásico

Barcelona, who were poised to seal the title this weekend had Real Madrid dropped points, must now wait until the next round. The Catalan side can secure the championship by defeating Real Madrid in the El Clásico next Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu. A win for Barcelona would give them an unassailable lead with four matches remaining. For Real Madrid, the match represents a chance to delay their rivals' coronation further and salvage pride from a season that has seen them trail Barcelona for much of the campaign.

Courtois Nears Return as Real Madrid Rotate

Real Madrid made several changes to their starting eleven, with Thibaut Courtois absent from the squad after rejoining training earlier in the week. The Belgian goalkeeper is expected to return for the El Clásico, as confirmed by the club's squad list for the Espanyol match. Rotations were anticipated given Real Madrid's comfortable position in the table, with nothing tangible to play for beyond delaying Barcelona's title. Several key starters were rested or out with injuries, allowing fringe players like Dean Huijsen and Thiago Pitarch to feature.

What the Result Means for the La Liga Title Race

Real Madrid's victory keeps Barcelona's title celebrations on hold but does little to alter the broader trajectory of the season. Barcelona remain heavy favourites to lift the trophy, needing just one more win from their remaining five matches. For Real Madrid, the win provides a morale boost ahead of the Clásico, but the focus will be on finishing the season strongly and building momentum for the next campaign. The defeat leaves Espanyol in mid-table, with their own objectives now centred on securing a top-half finish.

The bottom line

• Vinícius Júnior scored twice to give Real Madrid a 2-0 win over Espanyol, delaying Barcelona's title party.
• Barcelona can win La Liga by beating Real Madrid in the El Clásico next Sunday.
• Real Madrid dominated possession (66%) and created better chances (1.66 xG vs 1.26) despite fewer total shots.
• Vinícius Júnior now has 15 league goals this season and 126 for Real Madrid in all competitions.
• Thibaut Courtois is expected to return for Real Madrid in the El Clásico after missing the Espanyol match.
• Espanyol had more shots but lacked efficiency, managing only five on target from 17 attempts.