Vinicius Junior Brace Delays Barcelona's Title Party as Real Madrid Beat Espanyol 2-0

Key facts

• Real Madrid won 2-0 at Espanyol on May 3, 2026, matchday 34 of La Liga.
• Vinicius Junior scored both goals (55', 66'), his second a first-time finish after a Jude Bellingham back-heel.
• Xabi Alonso's record as Real Madrid manager stands at W11, D1, L1; the team has won 10 of its last 11 at the Bernabéu.
• Espanyol's unbeaten start to the season (W3, D1, L1) ended with the defeat.
• Franco Mastantuono was named Man of the Match; he assisted Bellingham's late chance.
• Barcelona must now face Real Madrid next weekend to potentially clinch the title.
• Real Madrid kept a clean sheet; Andriy Lunin was rarely troubled despite Espanyol registering several attempts.

A Second-Half Surge Decides a Tense Encounter

Real Madrid kept their faint title hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday, ensuring Barcelona were made to wait a little longer before confirming the La Liga crown. After a goalless first half in which Espanyol created the better chances, Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock on 55 minutes with a calm finish after combining with substitute Gonzalo Garcia. The Brazilian doubled the lead 11 minutes later, striking first-time into the top corner from a clever Jude Bellingham back-heel, effectively settling the contest.

Espanyol's Early Promise and a Controversial Decision

Espanyol made the sharper start, with Roberto Fernandez and Ruben Sanchez both going close, while Madrid struggled to establish rhythm. A briefly chaotic moment 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. That proved a turning point, as Espanyol retained their shape and held Madrid at bay until the break. Edu Exposito's swerving free-kick delivery bounced agonisingly past Fernando Calero's outstretched leg, nearly levelling the scoreline.

Xabi Alonso's Tactical Adjustments Pay Off

Xabi Alonso introduced fresh legs in attack at half-time, and the breakthrough came within 10 minutes of the restart. The manager's strong start to life as Real Madrid boss continued, with his side maintaining a 100% start to the campaign and going top of the early standings. Alonso's record now stands at W11, D1, L1. The team's immaculate start to the campaign continues, with 10 wins in their last 11 games at the Bernabéu.

Key Performers and Injury Concerns

Vinicius Junior was the standout performer, striking the post in the first half and repeatedly testing Espanyol's defensive line before his brace. Franco Mastantuono was named Man of the Match for his impressive display, assisting a late chance for Bellingham. Espanyol's Javi Puado is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, while Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois (thigh) is back in training, but Daniel Carvajal (leg) and Éder Militao (thigh) remain sidelined until late May and late September respectively. Arda Güler is also out for the season with a thigh injury.

Title Race Implications and What Comes Next

The win delays Barcelona's potential coronation, as they now must face Real Madrid next weekend to possibly seal the La Liga title. Espanyol's unbeaten start to the league season ended at W3, D1, L1. Real Madrid, despite the victory, remain in a chasing position, but Alonso's side has shown resilience and tactical flexibility. The RCDE Stadium saw Espanyol push forward late, but Andriy Lunin was rarely troubled, with Marko Dmitrovic making saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

A Statistical Snapshot of the Match

Real Madrid's two goals came from long-range strikes: the first by Vinicius after a surging run, the second a curled effort from Mbappe that was parried into Vinicius's path, hitting the post. Espanyol had a respectable number of attempts but lacked quality finishing. The match saw five minutes of added time, with late chances for Bellingham and Mastantuono. Real Madrid's dominance in the second half was reflected in their control of the game, as they rarely allowed Espanyol clear-cut opportunities.

Outlook: Alonso's Real Madrid Builds Momentum

Xabi Alonso's side has now won 10 of their last 11 games at the Bernabéu, and their strong start under the new manager suggests a foundation for future success. While the title race may be out of reach, the team's performances indicate a cohesive unit capable of challenging on multiple fronts. The upcoming clash with Barcelona will be a test of character, but Real Madrid have shown they can rise to the occasion.

The bottom line

• Vinicius Junior's brace secured a 2-0 win for Real Madrid at Espanyol, delaying Barcelona's title celebration.
• Xabi Alonso's unbeaten start as Real Madrid manager continues, with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in all competitions.
• Espanyol's unbeaten start to the season ended, but they showed resilience in the first half.
• Franco Mastantuono was named Man of the Match for his influential performance off the bench.
• Real Madrid's injury list includes Javi Puado (season-ending), while Thibaut Courtois nears return.
• Barcelona can clinch the La Liga title next weekend if they beat Real Madrid.