Vinicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 away at the RCDE Stadium on 4 May, postponing FC Barcelona's La Liga title celebrations with four games remaining in the season. The Brazilian winger's double ensures the title race will extend to next weekend's Clasico at Camp Nou, where a draw would mathematically confirm Barcelona as champions for a second consecutive season.

Madrid's path narrows but persists

Real Madrid remains 11 points adrift of Barcelona with 12 points still available across the final four matches. While mathematically alive, the defending champions must win decisively and hope for a Barcelona slip to keep their fading title hopes afloat. This defeat for Espanyol leaves them searching for their first victory of 2026.

Vinicius breaks the deadlock

The 22-year-old winger had an early chance when his deflected effort struck the woodwork, but he found the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half with a near-post finish from Fede Valverde's assist. Vinicius doubled his tally with an angled shot following a clever back-heel from Jude Bellingham, sealing Madrid's victory and keeping their title aspirations mathematically viable.

Defensive drama and key moments

Madrid suffered a setback when left back Ferland Mendy sustained another muscle injury during the match. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano initially sent off Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali for a foul on Vinicius, but downgraded the decision to a yellow card following a VAR review. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a crucial save at the end of the first half, denying Leandro Cabrera's header from a corner.

Barcelona edges closer despite draw

Barcelona strengthened its position by defeating Osasuna 2-1 away on Saturday, with late goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres cancelling out Raul Garcia's 88th-minute equaliser. Both Barcelona goals arrived from crosses delivered by Marcus Rashford, underlining the winger's creative impact in the title run-in.

La Liga roundup

Real Betis consolidated fifth place — potentially sufficient for Champions League qualification — with a 3-0 home victory over Oviedo, powered by two goals from Cucho Hernandez and one from Abde Ezzalzouli. Celta Vigo defeated Elche 3-1 at home through strikes from Hugo Alvarez, Iago Aspas, and Borja Iglesias, who added a late third after Andre Silva had pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute. Rayo Vallecano moved closer to securing top-flight safety with a 2-0 win away to Getafe, with Sergio Camello scoring early and Randy Nteka sealing the result after goalkeeper Augusto Batalla saved a penalty. Villarreal secured a place in next season's Champions League with a 5-1 demolition of Levante, with Georges Mikautadze scoring twice and Alberto Moleiro, Tajon Buchanan, and Nicolas Pepe also on target. Atletico Madrid, with coach Diego Simeone resting most regular starters, won 2-0 away to Valencia through goals from Iker Luque and Cubo. Athletic Club came from behind twice to beat Alaves 4-2 away, with Nico Williams scoring twice as coach Ernesto Valverde marked his 500th game in charge.