Real Madrid kept their faint title hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, ensuring Barcelona were made to wait a little longer before confirming the La Liga crown.
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Vinicius breaks resistance after goalless first half
Despite the eventual scoreline, it was Espanyol who made the sharper start, creating the better chances in the opening stages.
Roberto Fernandez and Ruben Sanchez both went close, while Madrid struggled to any establish rhythm in possession.
The visitors gradually grew into the game, with Vinicius Junior the main outlet. The Brazilian struck the post midway through the half and repeatedly tested Espanyol’s defensive line.
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 of sorts, as Espanyol retained their shape and held Madrid at bay until the break.
Clinical Madrid take control
The game shifted early in the second half. Madrid introduced fresh legs in attack, and the breakthrough arrived on 55 minutes. Vinicius drove infield on a surging run, combined neatly with substitute Gonzalo Garcia, and finished calmly into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
Espanyol continued to threaten sporadically, but their finishing lacked any real quality. Madrid, though, became increasingly dangerous in transition.
The second goal on 66 minutes effectively settled the contest. A clever back-heel from Jude Bellingham released Vinicius inside the box, and the forward struck first-time into the top corner to complete his brace with a moment of real quality.
From that point, Madrid managed the game. Espanyol continued to push forward and registered a respectable number of attempts, but Andriy Lunin was rarely troubled in the latter stages.
Late chances for Bellingham and the impressive young substitute Franco Mastantuono could have extended the margin, but Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic produced a couple of saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
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