Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 on May 3, 2026, keeping their title hopes alive in La Liga. Vinicius Junior scored both goals for the team, setting the stage for a crucial El Clasico against Barcelona.
Barcelona currently leads La Liga with 88 points, holding an 11-point advantage over Real Madrid. This victory delayed Barcelona’s title celebrations until their next match against Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior opened the scoring in the 55th minute. He added a second goal just 11 minutes later after a slick exchange with Jude Bellingham. This performance marked his 20th goal of the season across all competitions, including 15 in La Liga.
Real Madrid also secured their first clean sheet since March 11, 2026. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Vinicius, saying, “Vini Jr. played an incredible match; he’s a leader and a threat every time he gets the ball.”
The match took place at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. Kylian Mbappe was absent due to injury, impacting Real Madrid’s roster depth.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid has four matches remaining this season. They will face Barcelona in El Clasico next weekend, which will be pivotal for their title aspirations.
Alvaro Arbeloa emphasized the need for commitment from all players: “We need the commitment of all players to press, defend, and attack.” The upcoming match promises to be decisive for both teams’ objectives this season.