Vinícius Júnior's Brace Delays Barcelona's LaLiga Title Celebration

Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, entered matchday 34 atop LaLiga and were poised to clinch a second straight title. Real Madrid, coached by Carlo Ancelotti and trailing by 11 points with four games remaining, needed a win to keep the race alive. The decisive figure was Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, whose performance was supported by teammates Gonzalo García and Jude Bellingham. Real’s assistant Álvaro Arbeloa, injured forward Kylian Mbappé (under medical supervision), and Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali also featured in the narrative.

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On 4 May 2026 at the RCDE Stadium, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 away victory. Vinícius scored in the 55th and 66th minutes, the first assisted by García and the second by Bellingham. A VAR review overturned a red card shown to El Hilali for a challenge on Vinícius.

Vini Jr nets twice to delay Barcelona celebrations | OneFootball

The win left Real 11 points ahead of Barcelona. Possession was 66 % for Real versus 34 % for Espanyol. Shots were 15 (5 on target) for Real and 17 for Espanyol; expected goals were 1.66 and 1.26 respectively. Vinícius’s first goal was his 14th league tally and 126th for the club. His season total now exceeds Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and trails only Harry Kane among Europe’s top five leagues.

Vini Jr nets twice to delay Barcelona celebrations | OneFootball

Álvaro Arbeloa praised Vinícius as a constant, aggressive, intelligent and brave attacker who led the offense. He emphasized that collective effort, not talent alone, is essential for success. Regarding Kylian Mbappé, Arbeloa said the medical staff manage his recovery and his availability will be reviewed in the coming week.

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Mozzart Sport called the result “too little too late,” arguing Real only postponed Barcelona’s celebration while its own title chances were already secured and noting the performance “did not shine.”

Too little, too late: Vini delays Barca's celebration, but Madrid's title ship has already sailed

One source lists Vinícius’s second strike as his 14th league goal, another records it as his 15th. No further clarification is provided.

Vini Jr nets twice to delay Barcelona celebrations | OneFootball

• “He played another great game, and scored two great goals,” — Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid assistant coach

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• “He was the leader in attack, a total threat.” — Álvaro Arbeloa

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• “Every time [Vinícius] got the ball he was aggressive, intelligent, brave, and constant,” — Álvaro Arbeloa

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The decisive El Clásico on 10 May will determine whether Barcelona can clinch the title on the field or Real Madrid will preserve its lead. It is the first potential title-deciding derby since 1932 and the first time a rival could celebrate a LaLiga crown at Real Madrid’s home since 1977.

Too little, too late: Vini delays Barca's celebration, but Madrid's title ship has already sailed