The worst thing that could happen to Real Madrid did not happen, namely offering the title to FC Barcelona on the eve of hosting its biggest rival. Long out of ideas against Espanyol this Sunday evening, Real Madrid finally found salvation in the person of Vinicius Junior, discreet then rediscovered. In the first period, the only situation for the Madrilenians still came from the feet of the Brazilian with this post (8th). That was about all we could remember from the first 45 minutes, which were generally poor in spectacle, and marked by the injury exit of Ferland Mendy.
We had to wait until the locker room returned to witness a reaction of pride from Madrid, coming from Vinicius. The Brazilian made two opponents dizzy on the side, crossed into the middle to combine with the incoming Gonzalo Garcia, then the Spaniard’s delivery was perfect. Vinicius tackled two Catalan defenders in the area to open the goal, and finished the job in style (55th, 0-1).
Barça will wait to be champion
The heated moments intensified on both cages, but talent made the difference. In the same configuration as on the first goal, Vinicius found a relay in the person of Jude Bellingham. The Englishman, more impactful and better supported after the break, rewarded us with a delicious backheel to put the Brazilian into orbit. The half-volley in the top corner was well worth the pass (66th, 0-2).
A 16th goal in 2026 for Vinicius with his club (only Harry Kane does better with 24 goals), and a 127th goal under the Madrid tunic, thus making him the 13th top scorer in the club’s history, ahead of Hierro. This victory will not make Real Madrid the 2026 Spanish champion, but it has the merit of delaying Barça’s coronation and thus closing the debate around a possible guard of honor for the Catalans at the Bernabeu. The Merengues are 11 points behind their rivals and will host them next week. In the event of a simple draw, the Catalans will be champions of Spain.
