Vinicius Junior scored a fantastic solo purpose as Real Madrid got here from behind to beat Espanyol 3-1 and reduce Barcelona’s result in six factors on the high of La Liga on Saturday.

Joselu had despatched the guests forward early on on the Santiago Bernabeu however Vinicius produced a surging run and deadly end to tug the champions stage.

Eder Militao’s header accomplished the turnaround and Madrid may have added extra objectives within the second half, with Rodrygo hitting the crossbar from a free-kick.

Eventually Marco Asensio tucked away the third in stoppage time after a fantastic run and move from defender Nacho Fernandez.

Barcelona go to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday to try to restore their benefit, forward of El Clasico at Camp Nou subsequent weekend.

“They caught us out a bit with their goal, but the game gives us confidence to face a complicated week,” stated Nacho, forward of Madrid’s clashes with Liverpool within the Champions League on Wednesday and Barcelona on Sunday.

“When space opens out, we’re a team that has very fast players up front (to capitalise).”

After failing to attain from open play of their final three matches throughout all competitions, Madrid’s three well-taken objectives had been a confidence enhance.

With Karim Benzema out with an ankle situation, though poised to return for the Champions League final 16 second leg conflict with Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti chosen Rodrygo up entrance in his place.

The coach additionally opted to play Eduardo Camavinga out of place at left-back once more and the French midfielder’s mistake helped the guests transfer forward after eight minutes.

Camavinga misjudged a protracted ball which he allowed to succeed in Ruben Sanchez, who crossed for striker Joselu to smash into the highest nook.

It was the ahead’s twelfth purpose of the season — solely Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski has scored extra in La Liga, with 15.

Stirred by Espanyol’s purpose, Madrid shortly improved within the early afternoon spring solar, and Vinicius fired them stage with an outstanding solo effort of his personal.

The Brazilian winger reduce inside from the left and drove dwelling to internet his nineteenth purpose of the season throughout all competitions.

Militao headed the champions in entrance earlier than the break, assembly a luxurious Aurelien Tchouameni cross, which the midfielder served up with the surface of his boot.

Vinicius blasted over as Madrid appeared to press dwelling their benefit and the Brazilian was additionally knocked to the ground off the ball by Oscar Gil, who was booked.

The ahead has been focused by opposition defenders in latest months and Vinicius appeared winded after Gil’s bodycheck.

Vinicius had been booked within the first half for a foul himself, his eighth yellow card of the season.

“With the referee we spoke about Vinicius’ card,” Ancelotti stated.

“Many of these (bookings) have been for protesting, but today, I want to highlight that for me, his attitude was exemplary.

“He did not say something and he performed very effectively. He has to proceed like this, they’ve given him too many yellows for the kicks that he receives.”

Rodrygo came closest to extending Madrid’s lead when he curled a free-kick over the wall but it struck the crossbar.

Vinicius was warmly applauded by Madrid fans as he was taken off late on, with Ancelotti giving another brief cameo to young forward Alvaro Rodriguez.

However it was another substitute, Asensio, who wrapped up the win with a cool finish after Nacho’s uncharacteristic dribble forward into attack.

Defeat leaves Espanyol provisionally 14th, two points above the relegation zone.

“Our gameplan is what we did in the present day, to go on the market, up for it, do not let the opponent play,” Joselu told Movistar.

“We noticed Real Madrid taking pictures from vary, we made it laborious for them.

“From this game we must take away the great effort we made … this is the path we have to follow.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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