Real Madrid continues to nurture faint hopes in the La Liga championship race after defeating Espanyol in round 34, thanks to a double in the second half by Vinicius Junior.
This victory not only delayed Barcelona's coronation ceremony, but also helped Los Blancos keep a clean sheet for the first time since the beginning of February.
At home, Espanyol entered the game full of determination and almost created a surprise in the 3rd minute when Roberto Fernandez finished wide of the goal from close range.
The home team played energetically and was also somewhat lucky when Vinicius hit the post in the 8th minute. The match became tense in the 25th minute when Omar El Hilali initially received a red card for fouling Vinicius. However, after consulting VAR, the decision was reduced to a yellow card, causing a strong reaction from the audience.
Real Madrid gradually controlled the game, but the first half ended without a goal. The turning point came after halftime when Vinicius coordinated with Gonzalo Garcia before finishing coldly to open the score. Espanyol tried to respond but lacked sharpness and paid the price when Vinicius completed a double in the 66th minute from Jude Bellingham's assist.
This victory helps Real Madrid end their instability away from home streak, while putting pressure on Barcelona before the upcoming direct confrontation.
