Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior (right) challenges Osasuna’s Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Herrera during the La Liga match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid. (Photo credit: AFP)
Vinícius Júnior scored a fine solo goal as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Espanyol 3‑1, cutting Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to six points on Saturday. Joselu gave the visitors an early lead at the Santiago Bernabéu, but Vinícius produced a surging run and a lethal finish to level the scores. Eder Militao’s header completed the turnaround, and Madrid could have added more in the second half when Rodrygo struck the crossbar from a free‑kick. Ultimately, Marco Asensio tucked away the third in stoppage time after a fine run and pass from defender Nacho Fernández.
Barcelona will visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night to try to restore their advantage before the Clasico at the Camp Nou on March 19. With Karim Benzema out due to an ankle issue—though poised to return for the Champions League last‑16 second leg against Liverpool on Wednesday—Carlo Ancelotti started Rodrygo up front in his place. The coach also deployed Eduardo Camavinga at left‑back again, and the French midfielder’s mistake helped the visitors move ahead after eight minutes. Camavinga misjudged a long ball, allowing Rubén Sánchez to cross for striker Joselu, who smashed the ball into the top corner.
Spurred by Espanyol’s goal, Madrid improved quickly in the early afternoon sun, and Vinícius equalised with a superb solo effort. The Brazilian winger cut inside from the left and drove home his 19th goal of the season across all competitions. Militao then headed the champions in front before the break, meeting a sumptuous cross from Aurélien Tchouaméni, who delivered the ball with the outside of his boot. Vinícius blasted over as Madrid pressed for a lead, and the Brazilian was knocked to the floor by Oscar Gil, who received a booking. Vinícius has been targeted by opposition defenders in recent months and appeared winded after Gil’s body‑check.
Rodrygo came closest to extending Madrid’s lead when his curled free‑kick struck the crossbar. Espanyol could not trouble Thibaut Courtois in the final stages, with Martin Braithwaite’s header sailing well off target. Vinícius was warmly applauded by the Madrid fans as he was taken off late on, with Ancelotti giving another brief cameo to young forward Álvaro Rodríguez. However, it was substitute Asensio who sealed the win with a cool finish after Nacho’s uncharacteristic dribble forward into attack.
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