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Vinicius Double Powers Madrid Past Espanyol; Barca Leads, Clasico Decider

5/4/2026

Summary

Vinícius Leads Victory

Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 with Vinícius Júnior scoring in the 55th and 66th minutes.
Former Real Madrid defender José María Arbeloa called Vinícius a “born leader” after the win.
The victory left Barcelona 11 points ahead with four games remaining, making the May 10 El Clásico the title decider.
Arbeloa noted medical staff handle injuries and said Kylian Mbappé remains injured with his May 10 availability unclear.

Summary

Vinícius Scores

Player Vinícius Júnior scored his 14th league goal, his 126th for Real Madrid, after assists from player Gonzalo García and player Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid held 66% possession to Espanyol's 34%, posted expected goals of 1.66 versus 1.26, and recorded 15 shots with five on-target against Espanyol's 17 shots and four on-target.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti started player Lunin, player Alexander-Arnold and player Rüdiger for Real, while Espanyol began goalkeeper Dmitrovic.

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Vinícius Leads Victory

Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 with Vinícius Júnior scoring in the 55th and 66th minutes.
Former Real Madrid defender José María Arbeloa called Vinícius a “born leader” after the win.
The victory left Barcelona 11 points ahead with four games remaining, making the May 10 El Clásico the title decider.
Arbeloa noted medical staff handle injuries and said Kylian Mbappé remains injured with his May 10 availability unclear.

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