Vinicius brace keeps Barcelona waiting as Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0

Key facts

• Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 on May 3, 2026, at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
• Vinicius Junior scored both goals for Real Madrid.
• The win keeps Barcelona from clinching the La Liga title this weekend.
• Barcelona can seal the title by beating Real Madrid in El Clásico on May 10, 2026.
• Espanyol's Javi Puado is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
• Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois returned to training after a thigh injury.
• Real Madrid wore their all-black away kit for the match.

Real Madrid delay the inevitable with clinical win

Real Madrid delivered a composed performance to beat Espanyol 2-0 at RCDE Stadium on Sunday, postponing Barcelona's La Liga title celebrations for at least another week. The victory, secured by a brace from Vinicius Junior, ensures that the title race will continue into next weekend's Clásico at Camp Nou. With only four matches remaining in the season, Barcelona had hoped to clinch the championship if Real Madrid failed to win. Instead, Los Blancos kept their slim hopes alive while forcing their eternal rivals to wait.

Vinicius Junior stars as Real Madrid dominate

Vinicius Junior was the difference-maker, scoring twice to give Real Madrid a comfortable lead. The Brazilian winger opened the scoring in the first half and added a second after the break, capitalizing on Espanyol's defensive lapses. Real Madrid controlled possession and created several chances, while Espanyol struggled to mount a serious threat. The match kicked off with Real Madrid immediately winning a free kick after Jude Bellingham was fouled. The visitors, in their all-black away kit, took control from the outset and never looked back.

Barcelona's coronation now hinges on El Clásico

Barcelona's path to the La Liga title now depends on the outcome of next Sunday's Clásico at Camp Nou. A win against Real Madrid would seal the championship for Barcelona, marking a historic title for the club. If Real Madrid win or draw, the race would continue further. The stakes are immense: if Real Madrid had lost to Espanyol, Barcelona would have been crowned champions immediately, and Real Madrid would have been forced to give their rivals a guard of honor at Camp Nou. That scenario was avoided, but the pressure remains high for both sides.

Injury concerns and team news

Espanyol played without key attacker Javi Puado, who is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury. Real Madrid also had notable absentees: goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, sidelined with a thigh injury, has returned to training but was not available for selection. Daniel Carvajal is expected back in late May 2026 after a leg injury, while Éder Militão is out until late September 2026 with a thigh issue. Arda Güler is out for the season with a thigh injury. Real Madrid's midfield saw Eduardo Camavinga enter the match in the 84th minute, replacing César Palacios. Espanyol made several substitutions, including Charles Pickel, Antoniu Roca, Jofre Carreras, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo García, but none could change the outcome.

What next for Real Madrid and Espanyol?

Real Madrid now prepare for the most important match of their season: the Clásico against Barcelona, where they can either delay the inevitable or see their rivals crowned champions. A win would keep their own title hopes alive, however faint, and deny Barcelona the satisfaction of clinching at Camp Nou. For Espanyol, the defeat leaves them in a precarious position in the league table. With only a few matches remaining, they must regroup quickly to avoid relegation. The team's injury woes, particularly Puado's absence, have hampered their attacking options.

A rivalry renewed with title implications

The upcoming Clásico carries enormous weight, not just for the title race but for the historic rivalry between the two clubs. Barcelona have dominated the league this season, but Real Madrid's resilience keeps the drama alive. The match at Camp Nou will be a fitting stage for a potential title decider, with both teams knowing that the outcome could define their seasons. Real Madrid's victory over Espanyol was a statement of intent: they will not hand the title to Barcelona without a fight. Next Sunday, the football world will watch as the two giants collide once more.

The bottom line

• Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 on May 3, 2026, with Vinicius Junior scoring both goals.
• Barcelona cannot clinch the La Liga title until at least May 10, when they face Real Madrid in El Clásico.
• A Barcelona win in El Clásico would secure the championship; a draw or loss extends the race.
• Espanyol's Javi Puado is out for the season, while Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois has returned to training.
• The Clásico at Camp Nou next Sunday will be a decisive moment in the La Liga title race.