Real Madrid 4-1 Espanyol - Vinicius Junior climbs off bench to inspire Blancos to comeback win - Eurosport
Real Madrid pulled off an impressive comeback in the second half, extending their unbeaten run in the La Liga season and narrowing the gap to just one point behind leaders Barcelona.
Espanyol surprised the reigning champions by scoring first in the second half thanks to an own goal by Thibaut Courtois. Just minutes later, Dani Carvajal leveled the score, followed by goals from Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, which put Real Madrid in a commanding position. In stoppage time, Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty to cap off the thrilling comeback.
The home fans went quiet when Thibaut Courtois accidentally scored an own goal just minutes after the second half started. Jofre Carreras sent the ball across the goal, and it struck Courtois's left leg, bouncing into the net.
Carlo Ancelotti's team quickly answered back, as Carvajal scored into an open goal just three minutes later, thanks to some impressive play by Jude Bellingham.
After that, Los Blancos dominated Espanyol, with Vinicius delivering a cross that Rodrygo converted into a goal, giving Real Madrid the lead.
Vinicius then found the back of the net with a spectacular finish, slipping the ball past Joan Garcia after an electrifying counterattack.
In stoppage time, Endrick was fouled right inside the penalty area, and Mbappe confidently converted the penalty, scoring his second goal in consecutive matches.
As a result, Real Madrid climbs to the second spot in the Liga standings, ahead of Atletico Madrid's match on Sunday. Meanwhile, Espanyol is positioned at 13th in the table.
Real Madrid is set to play against Alaves at their home stadium this week, and then they’ll head out to compete against their local rivals, Atletico Madrid, the following weekend. Meanwhile, Espanyol will be welcoming Villarreal on Thursday.
Vinicius: His Impact On The Game
The game shifted dramatically when Vinicius came off the bench to take Arda Guler's place, with the score tied at 1-1.
Ancelotti decided to give the key Brazilian player a break, but this appeared to only fuel the winger's determination.
Vinicius made a significant impact when he entered the game, delivering a fantastic cross that allowed Rodrygo to score and give Real Madrid the lead. He then showcased his own scoring ability with a composed shot past Joan Garcia.
Real Madrid struggled to find that extra speed and intensity in the first half, even with their star players on the field. However, as soon as Vinicius came into the game, he brought that much-needed energy and drive.
The winger has faced criticism for his performances with the national team lately, but there was no questioning his skills in the match against Espanyol.
Vinicius Jr Named Player Of The Match
The Brazilian player has netted three goals and provided four assists in just six La Liga games this season, maintaining his status as the standout performer for Los Blancos, even with Mbappe joining the team.
Even though he only played in the second half, Vinicius was the game-changer and impossible to defend against.
**REAL MADRID:** Courtois: 3, Carvajal: 8, Militao: 6, Tchouameni: 7, Gracia: 7, Valverde: 6, Modric: 7, Bellingham: 8, Rodrygo: 9, Arda Guler: 5, Mbappe: 7. Substitutes: Vinicius Jr: 10*, Endrick: 7, Rudiger: n/a, Vazquez: n/a.
ESPANYOL: Joan Garcia received a score of 5, Kumbulla 6, Cabrera 5, Puado 6, Pol Lozano 5, Tejero 4, Cheddira 5, Jofre 7, Kral 5, Romero 5, and El Hilali 4. Substitutes: Veliz scored 4, Milla also scored 4, Gragera received a score of 5, while Aguado and Cardona had no rating available.
54' GOAL! REAL MADRID 0-1 ESPANYOL: (An own goal by Thibaut Courtois).
In an unexpected turn of events, Espanyol has managed to score first! Jofre Carreras shot the ball, which hit Courtois's legs and found its way into the net. The goal is officially recorded as an own goal by Courtois.
58’ GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-1 ESPANYOL: (Dani Carvajal scores).
Real Madrid has made a comeback. Dani Carvajal drives the ball into an open goal after the goalkeeper failed to hold onto Bellingham's low shot.
75’ GOAL! REAL MADRID takes the lead 2-1 against ESPANYOL, thanks to Rodrygo's strike.
Real Madrid has taken the lead, thanks to Rodrygo's goal! The two Brazilian talents work together, with Vinicius Jr delivering a perfect cross for Rodrygo, who simply slots the ball into an open net.
78’ SCORE! REAL MADRID 3-1 ESPANYOL: (Vinicius Jr).
Vinicius Jr completes the comeback for Real Madrid by receiving a perfectly timed pass and then calmly putting the ball past the keeper. He celebrates in the style made famous by Mbappe.
88’ PENALTY FOR REAL MADRID! Endrick is tripped just inside the penalty area. Kylian Mbappe prepares to take the shot...
90’ GOAL! REAL MADRID 4-1 ESPANYOL (Kylian Mbappe) Kylian Mbappe scores! The French superstar confidently converts the penalty, sealing a remarkable comeback for Real Madrid.
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