Vinicius Junior's introduction from the bench proved pivotal as Real Madrid overcame a spirited Espanyol 4-1 on Saturday, closing the gap to La Liga pacesetters Barcelona to a single point.
Despite Thibaut Courtois' unfortunate own goal early in the second half, which handed the visitors a surprise lead, Madrid fought back through Dani Carvajal's equalizer before Vinicius took center stage. The Brazilian prodigy set up Rodrygo Goes for a goal and then found the net himself to seal the comeback.
