Vinicius Junior’s crucial contribution helped Real Madrid to a 4-1 win over a determined Espanyol side on Saturday, who came from behind to move one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The Brazilian started on the bench but set up a goal for Rodrygo Goes before scoring himself to complete Madrid’s turnaround after a Thibaut Courtois own goal had given the visitors the lead early in the second half.
Dani Carvajal equalised for Madrid soon after before Vinicius took over, and Kylian Mbappe scored his fourth consecutive game for the club from the penalty spot in the closing stages.
Hansi Flick’s team, which has a perfect record of five wins from five games, will face unbeaten fourth-placed Villarreal on Sunday and will be looking to extend their four-point lead.
“It was difficult for us to score goals in the first half, but we created so many chances,” midfielder Luka Modric told Real Madrid TV.
“The team played well … we had a great game and can be satisfied, but we have to keep going (like this).”
The comprehensive victory was Madrid’s 38th consecutive La Liga game without defeat; their last defeat in the competition came almost a year ago, in September 2023 against Atletico Madrid.
“It says a lot. Not losing a game for so many weeks is really nice, but we have to keep going,” added Modric.
“Quality, character, commitment of the team, everyone is ready when they are needed… these are the key factors.”
Since Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had a busy schedule, he initially gave Vinicius a rest and chose Arda Guler in his place alongside Mbappe and Rodrygo.
Madrid controlled the first half but were unable to find a breakthrough, with Mbappe heavily involved as he chased his sixth goal of the season in all competitions.
Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia parried the French captain’s shot from a tight angle with a brilliant save at the near post.
Eder Militao headed the resulting corner just over the bar and another long-range shot from Mbappe was blocked, and one of his shots missed.
Mbappe became increasingly frustrated and received a yellow card for protesting against a decision made against him.
– Pressure and patience –
Jude Bellingham fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Garcia easily parried it, leaving the two teams goalless at half-time.
Madrid have only scored one first-half goal in eight games this season.
Carlos Romero had a good chance for the promoted team at the start of the second half when his shot flew wide of the goal, but the ball mostly bounced in one direction towards Garcia’s goal.
Madrid were therefore stunned when the visitors took the lead in the 54th minute after Courtois clumsily deflected a cross from Jofre Carreras into his own net.
Ancelotti immediately brought on Vinicius, but four minutes later it was Carvajal who equalised, netting off the line after Bellingham’s cross eluded the previously faultless Garcia.
Madrid turned the tables and were rewarded as Espanyol’s resistance crumbled. Vinicius used the outside of his football to deliver a magnificent cross that allowed Rodrygo to score the second goal.
Mbappe unselfishly passed to Vinicius, who scored Madrid’s third goal, and the former Paris Saint Germain star converted a penalty himself in the closing stages to seal a remarkable victory.
rbs/mw/dj
