Vinicius double delays Barca title as Real Madrid down Espanyol

TL;DR

Vinicius Junior scored twice to lead Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Espanyol, delaying Barcelona's title celebration. Barcelona must now wait for their next match against Real Madrid to secure the championship.

Key points

Vinicius Junior scored twice for Real Madrid
Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0
Barcelona's title celebration is delayed
Barcelona needs to win against Real Madrid to secure the title
Espanyol is fighting to avoid relegation

Real MadridBarcelonaEspanyol

Vinicius Junior's goals mean that Barcelona will have to wait to be crowned champions as Real Madrid beat Espanyol on Sunday (Josep LAGO) (Josep LAGO/AFP/AFP) Vinicius Junior struck twice for Real Madrid in a 2-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday to make La Liga leaders Barcelona wait to be crowned Spanish champions. The Catalans would have completed their title defence if Madrid dropped points at Espanyol, but Alvaro Arbeloa's side trimmed the gap on Barca to 11 points, with four matches remaining. Barcelona's next chance to claim their 29th league title comes in a week's time, when they host Real Madrid in a spicy Clasico clash. Once again, only a Real win will do to stop Hansi Flick's side. Without injured French superstar Kylian Mbappe and with just three wins in their last nine league games, Real Madrid arrived in Catalonia at a low ebb. They knew that even with a victory to postpone Barca's celebrations they are virtually certain to end a second consecutive season without a major trophy. The Catalans beat Osasuna in Pamplona on Saturday night and were waiting for a Madrid slip-up to celebrate back-to-back Liga titles. Instead they will have the chance to claim the trophy at Camp Nou, in front of 60,000 fans. Manolo Gonzalez's Espanyol, now without a win in 17 league matches, are fighting for top flight survival and needed the points. The Pericos are 13th, five points above the drop zone, although, that gap could shrink on Monday if Sevilla, 18th, beat . Madrid had more of the ball but were unable to convert that into real danger. Vinicius Junior came closest in the first half with a deflected shot which hit the post. The Brazilian winger was engaged in a running battle with Espanyol defender . Vinicius was booked for a foul on the Morocco international, who was shown a red card a few minutes later for a foul on the Madrid star. It seemed a harsh dismissal and after a VAR review the card was downgraded to yellow. , who replaced the injured early on, crossed for whose header was saved by . Madrid goalkeeper saved from 's header before half-time, with neither team unable to find a way through. Madrid nosed ahead early in the second half with a superb strike by Vinicius. The Brazilian exchanged passes with substitute , left two Espanyol defenders for dead and slotted home at the near post. Around 10 minutes later Vinicius grabbed a second, and it was an even better goal. England international backheeled the ball to Vinicius in the area and the forward produced an exquisite finish into the top corner. Vinicius's goals gave those who believe he and Mbappe cannot shine in the same team more ammunition. They were enough to clinch victory, although Gonzalo Garcia, and Bellingham had further chances to expand Madrid's lead. Los Blancos will make the journey to Catalonia again next weekend, without needing to give their arch rivals a guard of honour. rbs/pb

Q&A

How did Vinicius Junior impact the match against Espanyol?

Vinicius Junior scored both goals in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Espanyol, preventing Barcelona from clinching the La Liga title.

What does Barcelona need to do to win the La Liga title now?

Barcelona must win their next match against Real Madrid to secure their 29th La Liga title, as they are currently 11 points ahead with four matches remaining.

What is the current situation for Espanyol in the league?

Espanyol is struggling, having not won in 17 league matches and sitting 13th, just five points above the relegation zone.

Vinicius double delays Barca title as Real Madrid down Espanyol

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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