Barcelona FC [/b]clinched their 27th La Liga title, marking their first championship victory in four years, following a commanding 4-2 triumph over local rivals Espanyol.
The Catalan giants took the lead in the 11th minute, as Robert Lewandowski converted Alejandro Balde's cross from the left-wing into the back of the net. Balde himself found the target in the 20th minute, assisted by star midfielder Pedri, extending the lead to 2-0.
Lewandowski further solidified Barcelona's dominance with a goal five minutes before halftime, notching his 21st league goal of the season. Brazilian winger Raphina set up the opportunity from the right, delivering a precise ball into the box that Lewandowski emphatically struck home with his left foot.
The second half witnessed three more goals, with Jules Kounde making it 4-0 for the visiting side with a powerful header in the 53rd minute. Frenkie de Jong provided a low cross near the post, and Kounde converted it into his first goal of the season. Barcelona continued to control the game, although Espanyol managed to score two goals as well.
Spanish forward Javi Puado pulled one back for the hosts in the 73rd minute, while Joselu struck late in extra time to secure a consolation goal for Espanyol.
The three points earned from the match granted Barcelona a 14-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. With 85 points from 34 games, they currently top the league table.
This La Liga title was secured with four matches remaining and comes two years after the departure of Lionel Messi amidst the club's financial struggles. The last time Barcelona celebrated a league title without Messi in their squad was during the 1998-99 season. Messi joined the first team in 2004-05 and won the title that year. This triumph also marks Barcelona's first La Liga championship since 2019.
However, on-field celebrations were short-lived as players had to quickly retreat to the locker room due to a large group of Espanyol fans from the ultra section behind one of the goals. These fans approached the Barcelona players in the center, singing and celebrating. Security guards swiftly intervened, but riot police had to station themselves at the entrance of the tunnel to prevent the fans from entering. The supporters resorted to throwing chairs and other objects.
