Real Madrid took the lead in the confrontation against Espanyol for the 34th round of Campeonato Espanhol. Vini Jr. scored the only goal so far and put the score at 0-1 for the visitors. The move took place in the first half and defined the initial rhythm of the match at RCDE Stadium.
The number 7 received the ball on the left wing, performed a dry dribble on the marking and played with Gonzalo before invading the area. Next, Vini Jr. he pulled it to his right leg and shot it into the corner, with no chance for goalkeeper Dmitrovic.
The merengue team is looking for victory to keep the fight for the title alive and postpone Barcelona’s party. Espanyol, in turn, is fighting against relegation and trying to react at home.
Real Madrid’s initial Domínio puts pressure on the Catalan defense
⚽ 55' | 0-1 | ¡¡¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL de @ViniJr!!!@EASPORTSFC pic.twitter.com/qNplS6rB8i
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 3, 2026
The visitors controlled the action from the first minutes and created several scoring opportunities. Alexander-Arnold excelled at set pieces and sent dangerous crosses into the box.
Rüdiger and Bellingham almost scored from a free kick, but didn’t reach the ball at the far post. Tchouaméni also headed dangerously after a corner taken by the English full-back.
Fran García replaced Mendy, who felt his thigh at the beginning of the match. The substitution 11 minutes into the first half maintained Real Madrid’s offensive momentum on the left side.
Valverde and Brahim Díaz actively participated in the build-up plays, although some shots went wide. Arbeloa’s team imposed a high pace and limited Espanyol’s ball output.
Problemas physical and tactical changes on the merengue side
Mendy limped off the pitch after a tackle with Sánchez. Doctors accompanied the full-back to the bench, which raised concerns among the coaching staff.
Fran García joined immediately and has already participated in attacking plays. Real Madrid continues with important absences such as Militão, Courtois, Carvajal, Güler, Rodrygo and Mbappé.
Militão’s injury, operated on Finlândia, is expected to keep him out until October. Apesar was absent, the visiting squad demonstrated depth and maintained pressure on the opposing defense.
Espanyol reacts with long balls but suffers with shots
The home team tried to explore the right side with Rubén Sánchez and El Hilali. The Catalan full-back crossed into the area, but Lunin did well and held the ball.
Roberto Fernández and Terrats had chances, but missed the target with shots from inside and outside the area. Espanyol occupies 13th place and has not won in 16 rounds, which increases the tension in the fight against the relegation zone.
El Hilali received a yellow card after a foul on Vini Jr. and was almost sent off, but VAR reviewed the move. The referee changed the initial punishment from red to yellow.
Lances controversial marks the first time in RCDE Stadium
Vini Jr. and Brahim Díaz received yellow cards for fouls on Espanyol players. The infractions occurred during moments of high blood pressure in the Real Madrid.
Pitarch and Alexander-Arnold tried direct calls, but the Catalan defense, led by Cabrera, cleared the danger. The game continued to be truncated at times due to interruptions due to cards and medical care.
Real Madrid reached the break with a minimal advantage, but with good volume of play. Espanyol sought to reorganize the marking to contain attacks from the left wing.
Minuto up to the minute with the main moves of the match
- 00′– Começa the game on RCDE Stadium with Valverde receiving from Vini Jr. and shooting from afar.
- 07′– Vini Jr. takes a hit after a cross from Alexander-Arnold, but the ball deflects off Cabrera and goes out.
- 11′– Mendy is injured and Fran García enters on Real Madrid’s left side.
- 26′– Terrats finishes first time after a pass from Romero, but sends it over the goal.
- 33′– Alexander-Arnold takes a free kick and crosses to Rudiger and Bellingham, who cannot reach it.
- 39′– Valverde heads after a cross from Fran García, but sends it weakly into the hands of Dmitrovic.
- 42′ – REAL MADRID GOAL– Vini Jr. dominates on the left wing, table with Gonzalo, pulls to the right and finishes in the corner.
- 14′ 2T– Partida continues with Real Madrid maintaining a 0-1 lead. The game continues in progress with the visitors pressing in search of the second goal.
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Real Madrid manages advantage and seeks to expand score
The visiting team continued to have good possession of the ball after the break. The midfielders alternated between marking and supporting the attack. Brahim Díaz and Vini Jr. they maintained mobility to create spaces in the Catalan defense.
Alexander-Arnold remained active on the flanks and took several set pieces. Espanyol tried to get more into the game, but found it difficult to get past midfield.
The local fans encouraged the home team, but Real Madrid controlled the pace of the match until now. The Merengues need the three points to touch the leader Barcelona, who has 14 points more.
Espanyol, with just 39 points, remains in the middle of the table, but with a real risk of relegation. Cinco points separate the club from Z-3.
Desfalques influence coach Arbeloa’s strategy
The absence of Mbappé and Rodrygo forces Real Madrid to rely more on Vini Jr’s creativity. and Brahim. The number 7 responded well and already opened the scoring.
Militão remains out after surgery and the defensive system features Rüdiger and other adapted names. The visiting team demonstrated organization despite the casualties.
The clash remains valid for the 34th round and could directly influence the fight for the title and against relegation. Barcelona can celebrate mathematically if Real Madrid doesn’t win.
The Real Madrid players ran a lot in the first half and maintained their intensity at the beginning of the second half. The coach instructed the team to explore the sides of the field.
Espanyol tries to balance actions in the second half
The Catalans increased their marking in midfield to reduce Vini Jr’s spaces. El Hilali and Sánchez tried to support the attack, but Real Madrid quickly regained possession.
Dmitrovic made important saves and prevented the score from increasing. The goalkeeper was called upon several times for crosses and long-distance shots.
The game remains open and with chances for both sides. Real Madrid manages the minimum advantage, while Espanyol needs to expose itself to seek a draw.
The match takes place at Barcelona and brings together fans present at the stadium. The climate is one of decision for the two clubs with different objectives in the season.
Tactical Equilíbrio defines moments of the second stage
The visitors explore quick transitions with short touches between midfielders and attackers. Vini Jr. continues to be the main offensive reference.
Espanyol bets on long balls and counterattacks, but Real Madrid closes central spaces well. Tchouaméni and Valverde help with recomposition.
Aos 14 minutes into the second half the score is still 0 to 1. Nenhum another goal was scored after Vini Jr’s opening.
The two teams continue to compete with intensity for each move. The merengue fans present encourage the maintenance of the result.
The confrontation is still ongoing and could have new emotions in the remaining minutes. Real Madrid seeks to expand, while Espanyol tries to react.
