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Thanks to a decisive performance from Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid came from behind on Saturday to beat determined Espanyol 4-1 to move one point behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga.

The Brazilian started on the bench but set up Rodrygo Goes to score and complete the turnaround for Madrid. An own goal from Thibaut Courtois gave the visitors the lead early in the second half.

Dani Carvajal equalised for Madrid shortly afterwards, with Vinicius taking charge. Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty in his fourth consecutive game for the club.

Hansi Flick’s team, who have a perfect record of five wins from five games, visit unbeaten Villarreal, who are fourth, on Sunday in an attempt to restore their four-point lead.

“It was difficult for us to score in the first half but we created a lot of chances,” midfielder Luka Modric told Real Madrid TV.

“The team played well… we played a great game and we can be satisfied, but we have to continue (like this).”

The convincing victory was Madrid’s 38th consecutive match in La Liga without defeat, with their last defeat in the competition coming just under a year ago, against Atlético Madrid in September 2023.

“That says enough. It’s nice that we haven’t lost a game for so many weeks, but we have to keep going,” Modric added.

“Quality, character, commitment of the team, everyone is ready when needed… those are the key factors.”

Due to the busy schedule, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested Vinicius from the start and selected Arda Guler in his place, alongside Mbappé and Rodrygo.

Madrid controlled the first half without really breaking through, with Mbappé playing a key role as he chased his sixth goal of the season in all competitions.

Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia made a fine save at the near post to deny the French captain an attempt from a difficult angle.

Eder Militao headed the ensuing corner just over and Mbappé saw another long-range shot blocked. His shot also went wide.

Mbappé became increasingly frustrated and was fined for protesting a decision taken against him.

Jude Bellingham fired home a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Garcia made an easy save and the teams went into half-time at 0-0.

Madrid have managed just one first-half goal in eight games this season.

Carlos Romero came close to scoring for the promoted side early in the second half, but his shot went wide. However, it was mostly one-way traffic towards Garcia’s goal.

Madrid were therefore stunned when the visitors took the lead in the 54th minute after Courtois clumsily turned a cross from Jofre Carreras into his own net.

Ancelotti immediately gave Vinicius a chance, but four minutes later it was Carvajal who tapped in the equaliser. He tapped the ball in on the goal line after a cross from Bellingham could not be cleared by the still perfectly performing Garcia.

Madrid turned the screws and claimed the reward as Espanyol’s resistance weakened. Vinicius delivered a sublime cross with the outside of his boot, with Rodrygo slotting home the second goal.

Mbappe got past Vinicius on his own and fired home Madrid’s third goal, with the former Paris-Saint Germain star converting a penalty himself to give Madrid a big win.

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