Real Madrid defeated RCD Espanyol, delaying FC Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations and setting up a potentially historic El Clasico next Sunday.
Barcelona now only need a draw at Camp Nou against their old rivals to secure the league title.
Vinicius Junior scored twice in the second half at the RCDE Stadium to keep Real Madrid’s slim hopes alive with his opening goal after a one-two with Goncalo Garcia, before adding another after an assist from Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius also hit the post earlier in the match with a deflected attempt.
Espanyol’s Omar El Hilali was initially shown a red card for a challenge on Vinicius, although the decision was later overturned following a VAR review.
The result means Barcelona will have to wait at least another week before being officially crowned champions. It also eliminates the possibility of Real Madrid having to give Barcelona a traditional guard of honor for El Clasico.
Barcelona are currently eleven points clear at the top of La Liga and remain on course for several records, including a possible 100-point season and a league record 33 wins.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are faced with the prospect of ending the season without a trophy for the second time since 2010.
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