Spain’s Cornella Barcelona defeated local rivals Espanyol 2-0, securing the title of La Liga champions courtesy to a spectacular goal from Lamine Yamal. This victory completed a domestic treble for Barcelona and cemented the team’s top spot in the table, seven points ahead of Real Madrid with two games remaining. It was the club’s 28th league triumph.
Barcelona has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the league for the second time in six years, though the Champions League title eluded them. This latest victory took place at Espanyol’s ground, reminiscent of their 2023 clash where tensions flared with home supporters. In contrast, this time Espanyol turned on the sprinklers to douse the victorious visitors as they made their way off the pitch.
Yamal’s opening goal in the 53rd minute was nothing short of spectacular, a curling effort that found the top corner, followed by Fermin Lopez’s goal in stoppage time to secure the win. Coach Hansi Flick expressed pride in his team’s achievements but emphasized the need for continued improvement: “It’s in our DNA (to want to learn)… they have this hunger, it’s crucial.”
Despite the festivities, the match was marred by an incident outside the stadium, where several Espanyol fans were struck by a car that drove into a crowd, although fortunately, none were seriously injured.
Barcelona faced a slow start, with Espanyol looking to capitalize on counter-attacks as they fought to secure their place in La Liga. Wojciech Szczesny’s save denied Javi Puado in what was Espanyol’s best opportunity of the first half, while Barcelona struggled to convert their ball possession into clear chances.
Yamal’s incredible goal, his eighth of the season, echoed his earlier stunning strike for Spain in the Euro 2024 semifinals. Lopez praised the young talent’s performance, describing the season as “amazing.” Barcelona’s title was practically assured after their thrilling 4-3 victory over Real Madrid the previous weekend, but they needed to secure the win against Espanyol, especially after Leandro Cabrera’s red card for an elbow to Yamal.
Espanyol supporters showed some animosity against Barcelona players as they celebrated the win, but the youthful team seemed unaffected and proud of a championship that many thought was unlikely, particularly in light of Real Madrid’s acquisition of Kylian Mbappe. Although Flick agreed that the team should show consideration for the fans, he also stated that the team would celebrate in their dressing room, taking pleasure in the joy of the players and fans.
