Vinicius’s entry helps unlock Espanyol’s stubborn defence

BARCELONA — Vinicius Junior made a decisive impact from the bench to help a “much faster” Real Madrid to a 4-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday, leaving them just a point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Having struggled to rediscover his best form so far this season, coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed his side’s victory, even if it took a while to crystallise against a determined Catalans.

Brazilian star Vinicius started on the bench but created a goal for Rodrygo before scoring himself to complete Madrid’s turnaround after a Thibaut Courtois own goal had given the visitors the lead early in the second half.

Dani Carvajal equalised for Madrid shortly after, before Vinicius took the reins, with Kylian Mbappe adding a late penalty to score in his fourth consecutive game for the club.

“I think it was a good game, (the players) reacted well after Espanyol’s goal, we played much better, having more chances and I’m happy,” Ancelotti told reporters.

Real Madrid were not at their best but it was a step up from their recent performances and the Italian was impressed.

“We played much faster, touching the ball faster up front, with better movements,” Ancelotti noted.

“Mobility is a very important weapon. Little by little, we are returning to our best version.”

The comprehensive victory is Real’s 38th consecutive unbeaten run in La Liga, with their last defeat in the competition coming just under a year ago, against Atlético Madrid in September 2023.

“It says a lot, not losing a game for so many weeks is really good, but we have to keep going,” said Madrid captain Luka Modric.

“It’s the quality, the character, the commitment of the team, everyone is ready when you call on them. Those are the key factors.”

Real dominated the first half without managing to make the difference, with Mbappé very involved, looking for his sixth goal of the season in all competitions.

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia made a fine save at the near post to thwart the French captain’s shot from a tight angle, among other saves.

Growing increasingly frustrated, Mbappe was booked for protesting a decision taken against him.

Real have only managed to score one first-half goal in eight games this season, but this time they created chances.

Carlos Romero went close for the promoted visitors early in the second half with a shot that missed the target, but it was mostly one-way traffic from Los Blancos.

Real Madrid were therefore surprised when the visitors took the lead in the 54th minute, Courtois clumsily deflecting a Jofre Carreras cross into his own net.

A comeback in style

Ancelotti immediately brought on Vinicius but it was Carvajal who equalised four minutes later, tapping home after Jude Bellingham’s cross had eluded the previously impeccable Garcia.

Espanyol’s resistance crumbled and Vinicius delivered a sublime cross from the outside of his boot to set up Rodrygo for the second goal.

Mbappe generously slotted Vinicius into goal to score the third, before the former Paris Saint Germain star himself slotted home a late penalty to complete a commanding victory.

It was Mbappe’s fourth La Liga goal this season, drawing him level with Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski as the joint-top scorer.

It was Endrick who won the penalty, when he burst into the area and was dragged to the ground by Romero.

Ancelotti said he must have been “unfair” to the 18-year-old Brazilian forward, who is yet to make his debut for the club.

“It’s unfair because, on the one hand, he’s training very well, but on the other hand, we have Rodrygo, Mbappé and Vinicius up front. We have to be a little patient,” he said.

AFP