The Result Carries Weight
MADRID — Vinícius Júnior's second-half double kept Barcelona waiting for its 29th league title, as Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 on Sunday. The result means the Catalan club cannot clinch the championship this weekend, pushing the celebration to next week's Camp Nou clásico.
Barcelona had beaten Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday to open a 14-point gap over Madrid. Anything but a Real win against their city rivals would have sealed the title immediately.
The trophy did not need much decoration; the season had already done most of the talking.
Vinícius broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a sharp turn inside the area that left two Espanyol defenders grasping at air. The Brazil forward added a second in the 66th, curling a shot into the top corner after a back-heel from Jude Bellingham.
The Moment That Swung It
Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali was shown a straight red card for a foul on Vinícius in the first half, but the decision was downgraded to yellow after video review. Madrid lost left back Ferland Mendy in the 10th minute to an apparent muscle injury.
Espanyol remains winless in 17 league games this calendar year, sitting 13th in the table — five points above the relegation zone.
Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged the stakes: "We have a big game against a great rival. It's a special game for the fans, for us. We are going to rest and prepare well for it."
The Race Tightens
The result leaves Barcelona 11 points clear with four rounds remaining. The title could be decided next weekend when Madrid visits the Camp Nou.
Rayo Vallecano prepared for its Conference League semifinal against Strasbourg with a 2-0 win at Getafe. Sergio Camello and Randy Nteka scored in either half, while goalkeeper Augusto Batalla saved a penalty. The victory lifted Rayo to 11th in the table.
Celta Viga boosted its European hopes with a 3-1 home win over Elche, moving above Getafe into sixth. Real Betis defeated last-place Oviedo 3-0 at home, with Cucho Hernández bookending the scoring.