Real Madrid keep title race alive with 2-0 win over RCD Espanyol

KATHMANDU: Real Madrid kept their La Liga title hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over RCD Espanyol on Sunday.

The win temporarily delayed FC Barcelona’s title celebrations as Madrid stayed in the race ahead of next week’s crucial El Clasico showdown.

The first half ended goalless before Vinícius Júnior took control after the break. The Brazilian forward opened the scoring in the 55th minute following a slick exchange of passes with Gonzalo Garcia.

Vinícius struck again midway through the second half, finishing brilliantly after a one-two move with Jude Bellingham to seal Madrid’s 2-0 win.

The result keeps Real Madrid’s fading title hopes alive, although defeat against Barcelona in next week’s El Clasico would hand the league crown to the Catalan giants.

Vinícius has now recorded five goals and three assists in his last seven La Liga appearances against Espanyol.

The Brazilian has scored 16 goals across all competitions in 2026 — the highest tally in La Liga this year. Among Europe’s top five leagues, only Harry Kane has scored more, with 24 goals.

Meanwhile, Espanyol are still searching for their first La Liga win of the year. After 34 matches, they remain 11 points behind league leaders Barcelona, who sit on 88 points.