Vinicius stars as Madrid comes back to win
Vinicius Junior proved crucial off the bench for Real Madrid as it came from a goal down to beat Espanyol 4-1 in LaLiga.
The Brazil star came on within seconds of the visitors going ahead and provided an assist and a goal of his own in what was ultimately a comprehensive Madrid victory.
Espanyol took a surprise second-half lead having been dominated throughout the first period by the hosts, Thibaut Courtois credited with an own goal after his attempt to block a cutback by Jofre Carreras deflected into his own net.
But it took just four minutes for Madrid to equalise when Jude Bellingham won possession in the Espanyol box and laid the ball on a plate for Dani Carvajal to tap in.
Carreras forced Courtois into a more convincing save to keep the scores level on 68 minutes, and that would prove crucial when Vinicius's assist came on 75 minutes – a pinpoint cross for Rodrygo to fire home and put Madrid in front.
Vinicius then extended the lead after combining with Kylian Mbappe in a swift break from the halfway line, finishing cleanly inside the box from the Frenchman's assist.
Mbappe added the fourth and final goal from the spot after Endrick was dragged down while making his way into the box, putting a full stop on a dominant performance by the defending league champion.