Barcelona, SPAIN — Real Madrid have ensured that the La Liga title race remains mathematically alive, following a 2-0 win over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday night. The win successfully delays Barcelona’s coronation by at least one week, setting the stage for what could be the first time in the 97-year history of the league that the title is decided during El Clasico.
After a frustrating first half, Vinícius Júnior broke the deadlock in the 55th minute following a slick one-two with Gonzalo García. The Brazilian doubled his tally just eleven minutes later, finishing a move sparked by a sublime backheeled assist from Jude Bellingham.
Okay News reports that while Real Madrid avoided the potential embarrassment of a guard of honour next week, they still face an uphill battle to prevent Hansi Flick’s side from lifting the trophy at the Nou Camp next Sunday.
Barcelona currently sit 11 points clear at the summit and need only a draw in the upcoming El Clasico to be crowned champions. Flick’s men are chasing a record-equalling 100-point finish and could potentially shatter the record for the largest title-winning margin in history (currently 15 points). For Real Madrid, the victory in Barcelona serves as a vital confidence boost, but they risk a second trophyless season in three years if they cannot pull off a miracle comeback in the final four games of the campaign.
