LaLiga: Real Madrid Keep Title Hopes Alive with 2-0 Victory Over Espanyol

Vinicius strikes twice as Madrid postpone Barcelona’s coronation

Vinicius double stalls Barca’s celebrations in Real Madrid win at Espanyol. Espanyol remain winless in 2026 and risk falling to within three points of the relegation zone.

Federico Valverde headed straight at Marko Dmitrovic and Brahim Diaz fired over on the turn for Madrid...

Vinicius Junior struck twice in the second half to give Real Madrid a 2-0 win at Espanyol and put Barcelona’s celebrations on hold. It was also Madrid’s first LaLiga clean sheet since Feb 8.

Espanyol faced the odd scenario of knowing a result would hand the title to city rivals Barcelona. They nearly took the lead within three minutes, but Roberto Fernández dragged a 15-yard shot wide.

Espanyol hardly played like a side winless in 16 games with 6 draws and 10 losses. They started brightly, and got lucky in the 8th minute when Vinícius’ deflected shot bounced off the post.

That near miss shifted the game. Madrid took control, and Espanyol thought they were down to 10 men in the 25th minute when Omar El Hilali was shown a straight red for a late tackle on Vinicius.

Referee Jesus Gil Manzano checked the pitchside monitor and reduced the red to a yellow.

The decision angered the home crowd and seemed to lift Espanyol. Tyrhys Dolan then blazed a good chance over the bar.

Federico Valverde headed straight at Marko Dmitrovic and Brahim Diaz fired over on the turn for Madrid. In first-half stoppage time, Andriy Lunin pulled off a sharp save to deny Leandro Cabrera’s close-range header.

Madrid had 45 minutes to keep Barcelona waiting, and they broke through 10 minutes after the restart. Vinícius combined with Gonzalo García in the box and slid the ball past Dmitrović.

Ramon Terrats nearly replied right away with an acrobatic attempt, but it hit a teammate and looped over. He then curled another effort just wide of Lunin’s far post.

Vinícius wasn’t finished. He made it 2-0 midway through the half, taking Jude Bellingham’s back-heel in stride and smashing it into the top corner.

That was Vinicius’ 21st goal in all competitions this season, and his eighth goal contribution in the last seven meetings with Espanyol with 5 goals and 3 assists.

FT: #EspanyolRealMadrid 0-2

Another statement victory 👑#LALIGAEASPORTS | #DESENLACELALIGA pic.twitter.com/R4K7jAtbGd

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 3, 2026

Carlos Romero tested Lunin as Espanyol looked for a way back, but they drew a blank again. It’s now four scoreless games in their last five.

The win ends Madrid’s three-match winless run away from home, but they’ll need to beat Barcelona at Camp Nou next Sunday to keep their slim title hopes alive for one more week.

Espanyol are still without a win in 2026. If Sevilla beat Real Sociedad on Monday, Espanyol could end up just three points clear of the relegation zone.