Real Madrid 4-1 Espanyol (21 September 2024) Match Analysis

Vinícius Júnior came off the bench to score a goal and provide an assist to lead champions Real Madrid to a 4-1 comeback win over Espanyol in LaLiga on Saturday.

Real Madrid dominated proceedings but fell behind in the 54th minute due to a rare mistake by their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois when he inadvertently deflected a low cross from Jofre into his own net.

Four minutes later, however, Madrid equalised with a close-range goal from Dani Carvajal.

Vinicius then worked his magic in three busy minutes, first by playing a brilliant cross with the outside of his foot to Rodrygo, who fired home from the middle of the box in the 75th minute, and then scoring himself with a neat finish following a counterattack in the 78th minute.

Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory with a penalty after substitute Endrick was fouled in the penalty area in the 90th minute.

Madrid remained second with 14 points, one point behind leaders Barcelona, ​​​​who have a game in hand and visit fourth-placed Villarreal on Sunday.