Vinicius Jr stars as Real Madrid defeat Espanyol and force Barcelona to wait for La Liga crown

Real Madrid defeated RCD Espanyol to delay FC Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations and set up a potentially historic El Clasico next Sunday.

Barcelona now need only a draw at the Nou Camp against their long-time rivals to secure the league title.

Vinicius Junior scored twice in the second half at RCDE Stadium to keep Real Madrid’s slim hopes alive with his opening goal came after a one-two with Goncalo Garcia, before he added another following a backheeled assist from Jude Bellingham.

Vinicius also struck the post earlier in the match with a deflected effort.

Espanyol’s Omar El Hilali was initially shown a red card for a challenge on Vinicius, although the decision was later overturned after a VAR review.

The result means Barcelona must wait at least another week before being officially crowned champions. It also removes the possibility of Real Madrid having to give Barcelona a traditional guard of honour before El Clasico.

Barcelona currently sit 11 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 victories.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are facing the prospect of finishing the season without a trophy for only the second time since 2010.