Vinicius double keeps Real's faint LaLiga hopes alive

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action with Espanyol's Omar El Hilali. REUTERS

Vinicius Jr struck twice in the second half as Real Madrid won 2-0 at Espanyol in LaLiga on Sunday to keep their slim title hopes alive.

With four matches remaining, Barcelona lead the standings on 88 points, 11 clear of second-placed Real, whom they host at the Camp Nou next weekend in a Clasico that could confirm the Catalans as champions for a second successive season.

Vinicius broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, driving in from the left and exchanging passes with Gonzalo before cutting inside two defenders and finishing low in off the post.

The Brazilian struck again in the 66th minute after a fine one-two with Jude Bellingham, guiding a first-time effort into the top corner.