MADRID — Vinicius Junior's decisive impact helped Real Madrid come from behind to beat a determined Espanyol side 4-1 on Saturday and move a point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. The Brazilian started on the bench but created a goal for Rodrygo Goes before scoring himself to complete Madrid's turnaround after a Thibaut Courtois own goal gifted the visitors the lead early in the second half.

Vinicius Jr came off the bench to lead Real Madrid to a 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu against Espanyol on Saturday night. After a goalless first half, Real went behind after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois scored an own goal on 54 minutes.

Since the beginning of the 2024/25 La Liga season, Real Madrid have made a habit of winning penalties, and this trend continued with another opportunity from the spot, this time in their match