2024-09-21 21:28:02
MADRID (AP) — Vinicius Junior came on as a substitute to lead Real Madrid to a 4-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday, continuing their pursuit of leader Barcelona in the Spanish league.
In the 54th minute, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois scored an own goal to make the duel between the two sides even more intense.
The equalizer came soon after, with visiting goalkeeper Joan García letting Jude Bellingham’s angled shot escape, setting up Dani Carvajal for the 58th Minute opportunity to score on the goal line.
Next, it’s time for “Pooh”, who advanced in seconds at a disadvantage, to shine.
In the 75th minute, Brazil’s outstanding winger Vinicius Junior passed the ball from the left wing first, allowing Rodrigo to score the equalizing goal.
Three minutes later, “Vini” sealed the victory after Kylian Mbappe stole the ball. Mbappe passed the ball into the penalty area and scored with a low shot.
In the 88th minute, Enderrick was fouled in the penalty area and Mbappe took the penalty kick.
The comfortable victory moved the team into second place with 14 points, one behind Barcelona, who travel to Villarreal on Sunday.
With this victory, Real Madrid has been unbeaten in 38 consecutive league games since last season.
The Spaniard is temporarily ranked 13th with 7 points.
The Meringues’ goal was shut until their first goal, after having taken twenty shots (five on target) without scoring.
Mbappe was the victim of goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who blocked three shots.
With an agenda laden with commitments, strategist Carlo Ancelotti made numerous rotations in the starting XI, starting the likes of Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy Players rest. Madrid will host Alaves again on Tuesday.
After finding himself at a disadvantage, Ancelotti brought on “Vinnie” and the Brazilian responded first, providing his fourth assist of the game shortly after his third title goal.
Despite this difficult matchup, Mbappe has scored four goals in the tournament and six in all competitions.
Valencia celebrates first victory
Within two minutes, Valencia scored in front of their fans to beat Girona 2-0 and celebrate their first league victory.
Luis Rioja (56th minute) and Dani Gomez (58th minute) scored for the “che” team, which moved up to 18th place with 4 points.
Girona suffered its third setback of the season just days after making its Champions League debut and remains in 13th place with seven points.
In another game, Osasuna defeated Las Palmas 2-1 at home.
Vermilion is seventh with ten units; Las Palmas is last with just two units.
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