VINÍCIUS JÚNIOR SCORED TWICE IN THE SECOND HALF to lead Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Sunday, keeping Barcelona from securing the La Liga title this weekend.
Barcelona had beaten Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday to open a 14-point lead over Madrid. A draw or loss for Madrid would have clinched the title for Barcelona this weekend.
The Catalan club now holds an 11-point lead heading into the final four rounds of La Liga. Barcelona can clinch next weekend when it hosts Real Madrid in a clash at Camp Nou.
"We have a big game against a great rival and they've been playing well," Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa said. "It's a special game for the fans, for us. We're going to rest and prepare well for it."
Match Details
Vinícius broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a clever move to beat two Espanyol defenders inside the area. He added the second goal in the 66th minute with a shot into the top corner, set up by a back-heel pass from Jude Bellingham.
Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali was initially shown a straight red card for a foul on Vinícius, but the call was changed to a yellow after video review.
Madrid lost left back Ferland Mendy in the 10th minute due to an apparent muscle injury.
Around the League
Rayo Vallecano beat Getafe 2-0, while Celta Vigo defeated Elche 3-1. Real Betis beat Oviedo 3-0.