Real Madrid’s resurgence continued on Saturday as they overcame a spirited Espanyol side 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The victory, inspired by the decisive impact of Vinicius Junior, moved Madrid within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
After a sluggish start to the season, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s improved performance, particularly their increased pace and mobility. “We played much faster, touching the ball quicker up front, with some better movement,” Ancelotti noted.
Vinicius, who started on the bench, proved to be a game-changer. He created the equalizer for Rodrygo Goes before scoring himself to complete Madrid’s turnaround. Kylian Mbappe added a late penalty to net in his fourth consecutive game for the club.
Espanyol had taken a surprise lead through a Thibaut Courtois own goal, but Madrid responded with a stylish comeback. Dani Carvajal leveled the score before Vinicius took control, showcasing his sublime crossing ability and clinical finishing.
Madrid’s victory extended their unbeaten run in La Liga to 38 games, a testament to their quality and resilience. Captain Luka Modric attributed the team’s success to “character, commitment, and everyone being ready when called on.”
Despite their recent struggles, Madrid have now won three consecutive league matches and are starting to find their rhythm. Ancelotti remains cautious but optimistic: “Bit by bit, we’re returning to our best version.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona will look to restore their four-point lead when they visit Villarreal on Sunday. The Catalans have a perfect record of five wins from five matches, but they will face a tough test against the unbeaten Yellow Submarine.
