In an electrifying display of skill and resilience, Real Madrid secured a thrilling 4-1 victory over Espanyol in the Spanish La Liga on Saturday. The star of the night was none other than Vinicius Junior, who came off the bench to make a significant impact.
Real Madrid dominated the match from the outset, showcasing their trademark precision and control. However, the momentum shifted in the 54th minute when a rare error by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois allowed Espanyol to take the lead, deflecting a low cross from Jofre Carreras into his own net.
Determined to bounce back, Real Madrid responded swiftly. Just four minutes later, Jude Bellingham's powerful shot slipped under goalkeeper Joan Garcia, paving the way for Dani Carvajal to level the score. Bellingham’s return from a four-week muscle injury was a morale booster for the defending champions.
The turning point came when Vinicius Junior entered the fray. Within three intense minutes, he orchestrated a brilliant play, delivering a precise cross to Rodrygo, who converted it with a first-touch effort in the 75th minute. Vinicius didn't stop there; he followed up with a neat finish during a counterattack in the 78th minute, sealing his mark on the game.
The final nail in the coffin was delivered by Kylian Mbappe, who converted a penalty after substitute Endrick was fouled in the box. This 4-1 triumph keeps Real Madrid in second place with 14 points, just one behind league leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand.
Reflecting on the match, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team's performance. \"I think we played well. We started very well and reacted well after they scored the first goal,\" Ancelotti remarked. He continued, \"It was a complete match on our part, as we played much better, had more rhythm with the ball, and created a lot of scoring opportunities, so I'm happy with this game.\"
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Vinicius fires Real Madrid to 4-1 win over Espanyol in Spanish La Liga
cgtn.com
