Real Madrid kept Barcelona waiting for its second straight Spanish league title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over city rival Espanyol on Sunday.
Title Race Update
Barcelona had moved 14 points clear of Real Madrid after beating Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday. A Real Madrid loss would have clinched the title for Barcelona this weekend, but Vinícius Júnior's two second-half goals ensured that didn't happen.
Barcelona's lead stands at 11 points with four rounds remaining. The Catalans will have their next chance to seal the title next weekend when they host Real Madrid in a "clásico" at Camp Nou.
Madrid Coach's Comments
"We have a big game against a great rival and they have been playing well," Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa said. "It's a special game for the fans, for us. We are going to rest and prepare well for it."
Espanyol Struggles Continue
Espanyol remained winless in 17 consecutive games this year, with 10 losses. The team sits in 13th place, five points above the relegation zone.
Match Highlights
Vinícius broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a clever fake move to beat two Espanyol defenders inside the area. The Brazil forward added a second goal in the 66th minute, finishing into the top corner after a beautiful back-heel setup by Jude Bellingham.
Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali received a straight red card for a foul on Vinícius in the first half, but the call was downgraded to a yellow after video review.
Madrid lost left back Ferland Mendy 10 minutes into the match due to an apparent muscle injury.
Other La Liga Results
Rayo Vallecano defeated Getafe 2-0 in preparation for its Conference League semifinal against Strasbourg. Sergio Camello and Randy Nteka scored, while goalkeeper Augusto Batalla saved a penalty.
Celta Vigo boosted European qualification hopes with a 3-1 home win over Elche, moving above Getafe into sixth place.
Real Betis beat last-place Oviedo 3-0 at home. Cucho Hernández scored both the opening and closing goals for fifth-place Betis, leaving Oviedo on the verge of relegation.