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.
Luka Modric lauded Madrid's attacking ranks, but the Madrid captain still saw room for improvement.
"We played a very good game but it's true that it was difficult for us to finish plays. We created a lot of chances but we have a lot of room for improvement," he said.
"I don't know if it was our best or not but it was a great game, from start to finish. We must continue like today. To have Vinicius, Mbappe, Bellingham and Rodrygo is awesome; they are great.
"They and the whole team are doing everything right but we still can improve; we'll keep going in the next few games until we feel we reach out true potential. This match can give us confidence."
The team performance left Carlo Ancelotti delighted, but the Madrid head coach was still cautious, primarily owing to managing Bellingham's troublesome shoulder injury, which he tweaked during the match.
"Jude has had the shoulder problem and it has resolved well," he said.
"He was able to play the whole game without any problem.
"He's always played with protection. A month ago he took it off because he was fine, but he has had this problem again.
"I don't think it will be a problem, although it must be taken care of, obviously."
