Vinicius Junior scored a stunning solo goal as Real Madrid thrashed Espanyol 3-1 on Saturday to cut their lead over Barcelona to six at the top of La Liga.
Joselu Santiago He gave the visitors an early lead at the Bernabéu but Vinicius leveled the champions with a racy run and a fatal finish.
Eder Militon's header makes it come from behind. Madrid could have scored more goals in the second half when Rodrygo hit the bar from his free kick.
Finally, after a great run and pass from his defender Nacho his Fernandez Marco his Asensio scored his third goal in stoppage time.
Barcelona traveled to Athletic his Bilbao on Sunday night to retake the lead ahead of the Clásico at Camp his Nou on 19 March.
Karim Benzema has been sidelined with an ankle injury and despite being poised to return for Wednesday's Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti has picked Rodrygo as the top choice instead. .
The manager also opted to bring in Eduardo his Camavinga from left back and a mistake by the French midfielder gave the away side the lead in the eighth minute.
Camavinga long he misjudged the ball and passed it to Ruben his Sanchez.
Madrid, excited by Espanyol's goals, improved quickly in the early afternoon spring sunshine, and Vinicius fired them in a fine solo effort of his own to equalize.
The Brazilian winger sliced in from the left flank and drove home to score his 19th goal of the season in all competitions.
Militao led the champions before half-time when a superb cross from Aurelian Chuameni was served by the midfielder outside his boot.
Vinicius overshoots as Madrid try to take advantage at home.
The forward has been targeted by opposing defenders in recent months, with Gil's body Vinicius looking breathless after his check.
Rodrygo curls his free kick over the wall but hits the bar.
Espanyol were unable to get past Thibaut's Courtois in the closing minutes and Martin's Breitbite deflected his header just wide of the target.
Warm cheers erupted from the Madrid fans when Vinicius was sent off late, and Ancelotti made a brief guest appearance for young striker Alvaro Rodriguez.
But it was another substitute, Asensio, who capped off the win with a cool finish after Nacho attacked with an uncharacteristic dribble up front.