Even though he’s not yet the game-changing player he can be, Vinícius proved invaluable coming off the bench, turning the tide in a match that initially looked challenging for Real Madrid. After an error by goalkeeper Courtois gifted a goal to Espanyol, Vinícius sparked a comeback that ended in a decisive victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid struggled to convert their dominance into goals in the first half, but they found their rhythm in the second. The return of Modric as a playmaker, along with the mobility of Bellingham and the creativity of Arda Güler, set the stage for Vinícius's impact. 

The match took a turn when Espanyol capitalized on a defensive lapse from Carvajal, leading to a goal that momentarily lifted their spirits. However, Vinícius quickly entered the fray, equalizing just four minutes later by exploiting a defensive mistake from Espanyol.

Following a similar pattern, Vinícius assisted Rodrygo with a brilliant outside-of-the-foot pass, putting Real Madrid ahead. Shortly after, he himself found the net after a steal by Mbappé set him up for an easy finish.

With the game firmly in control, young Endrick showcased his ambition, winning a penalty after a foul by Král, which Mbappé converted to seal the 4-1 victory and continue his scoring streak.