A second-half brace from Vinícius Júnior secured a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid against RCD Espanyol, delaying FC Barcelona’s title celebrations while also ending Madrid’s wait for a clean sheet in La Liga since February 8.

Espanyol entered the match in the unusual situation of potentially handing the title to their city rivals Barcelona if they managed to take points. They nearly made a dream start, as Roberto Fernández fired wide from 15 yards within the opening three minutes.

Despite a run of 16 matches without a win (D6, L10), the hosts began brightly and showed confidence early on. However, they were fortunate not to fall behind when Vinícius saw a deflected effort strike the post in the eighth minute.

That opportunity shifted the momentum in Real Madrid’s favour, with the visitors gradually taking control of the game. Espanyol then faced a moment of concern midway through the first half when Omar El Hilali was initially shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Vinícius in the 25th minute, though the situation was later reviewed.

Referee Jesús Gil Manzano initially showed a straight red card but reduced the punishment to a yellow after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.

The decision angered the home supporters and seemed to energise RCD Espanyol, who soon threatened through Tyrhys Dolan, although his effort flew over the crossbar.

Federico Valverde later directed a header straight at goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović, while Brahim Díaz fired over from a tight angle for Real Madrid. At the other end, Andriy Lunin produced an outstanding save to deny Leandro Cabrera from close range in first-half stoppage time.

With the match still goalless at the break, Real Madrid needed a strong second half to delay FC Barcelona’s title celebrations. They found the breakthrough 10 minutes after the restart, as Vinícius Júnior combined neatly with Gonzalo García inside the box before calmly finishing past Dmitrović.

Ramon Terrats nearly responded immediately with an acrobatic effort, but the ball deflected off a teammate and looped over the bar. He came close again moments later, curling a shot narrowly wide of Lunin’s far post.

However, Vinícius ensured there would be no comeback, doubling Real Madrid’s lead midway through the half. He latched onto a clever back-heel from Jude Bellingham and finished superbly into the top corner.

It marked the 21st goal of the season in all competitions for Vinícius Júnior, who has now registered eight goal involvements in his last seven appearances against RCD Espanyol (five goals, three assists).

Carlos Romero tested Andriy Lunin with a straightforward effort as the hosts pushed for a response, but they were unable to find the net, failing to score for the fourth time in their last five matches.

The hard-earned victory brings an end to Real Madrid’s three-game winless run away from home. However, they will need to defeat FC Barcelona at Camp Nou next Sunday to keep their slim title hopes alive for at least another week.

As for Espanyol, they remain without a win in 2026 and could find themselves just three points above the relegation zone if Sevilla FC overcome Real Sociedad on Monday.