La Liga wrap: Real Madrid down Espanyol to hold off Barcelona's title charge

Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid consolidated second place in La Liga with a professional win at the RCDE Stadium, a result that also ensured Barcelona’s title celebrations were delayed for at least another week.

After a scoreless first half where Espanyol's defence held firm, Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock in the 55th minute following a slick exchange with Gonzalo Garcia.

The Brazilian secured his brace ten minutes later, finishing clinically after being played through by a Jude Bellingham assist.

Celta 3-1 Elche

Celta Vigo dominated at Balaidos, effectively settling the contest within the first half-hour. Hugo Alvarez opened the scoring early, followed quickly by a trademark strike from Iago Aspas.

While Elche managed to pull one back through an Andre Silva penalty late in the second half, Borja Iglesias restored the two-goal cushion in the 85th minute to ensure all three points.

Getafe 0-2 Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano claimed a vital away win in this Madrid derby. Sergio Camello provided the breakthrough in the 38th minute with a superb long-range effort that left the Getafe keeper helpless.

Despite a flurry of yellow cards in a heated second half, Rayo stayed disciplined, and Randy Nteka doubled the lead in the 73rd minute to silence the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Real Betis 3-0 Real Oviedo

Real Betis delivered a commanding performance at La Cartuja to brush aside a struggling Real Oviedo. Cucho Hernandez was the star of the show, netting twice in either half.

Abde Ezzalzouli also got on the scoresheet just before the halftime whistle, benefiting from an Antony assist. The result keeps Betis firmly in the hunt for a European qualification spot.