Real Madrid stay alive in the La Liga competition with a win at Espanyol | Football News

Two goals from Vinicius Jr allowed Madrid to stay level with Barcelona ahead of next Sunday’s El Clasico.

Vinicius Jr scored twice in the second half as Real Madrid won 2-0 at Espanyol in La Liga on Sunday to keep their hopes alive.

With four matches remaining, Barcelona lead on 88 points, 11 ahead of second-placed Real, who will host them at the Camp Nou next week in a Clasico that could confirm the Catalans are champions for a second consecutive season.

Vinicius broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, driving in from the left and switching with Gonzalo before weaving his way through two defenders and finishing low.

The Brazilian struck again in the 66th minute after a good double with Jude Bellingham, steering the first attempt into the top corner.

Vinicius provided fireworks in a different way on Sunday evening for Real. Missing several starters including Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side controlled the game from the start and almost went ahead in the eighth minute when Vinicius hit the post from inside the box.

But for all their possessions, the visitors struggled to find any clear chances until Vinicius decided the game needed a shake-up.

The Brazilian striker opened the scoring 10 minutes into the second half with a superb strike. Rising from the left flank, he collected a back pass from Gonzalo inside the area, then cut through the middle with a volley that left two defenders behind before sending it down the left.

Vinicius struck again 11 minutes later, this time after another run from the left and an exchange with Bellingham.

The Englishman returned the ball with a back heel and Vinicius, inside the box, shifted his weight before sweeping a first-time shot into the top right corner, leaving the Espanyol player with no chance.

The win delayed Barca’s title celebrations, but perhaps for a week as Barca have a chance to wrap up the title against their rivals next week.