BARCELONA won the La Liga title tonight after a 4-2 victory over city rivals Espanyol gave them an unassailable lead over second-placed Real Madrid.
The win took Barcelona’s tally to 85 points, 14 ahead of deposed champions Real Madrid with four rounds of fixtures to go.
It is Barcelona’s first Spanish top flight title since 2019 but the celebrations were marred by Espanyol fans invading the pitch at full-time.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice for Barcelona, with Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde adding the other goals, while Javi Puado and Joselu struck late on for the hosts.
The triumph makes up for some of the on-field and off-field problems Barcelona have faced this season.
The Catalans have had financial trouble and were eliminated in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and in the playoffs of the Europa League.
Barcelona however won the Spanish Super Cup in January, and have now claimed La Liga with four games to spare.
Xavi’s side showed their intent early tonight, taking the lead after 11 minutes with a team goal, finished off from close range by Lewandowski for his 20th of the season in La Liga.
Balde then struck his first goal for Barcelona nine minutes later, netting from Pedri’s cross.
Barcelona made it 3-0 five minutes to half-time, when Raphinha assisted Lewandowski for a simple finish.
Kounde headed home the fourth goal eight minutes into the second half from Frenkie de Jong’s pass and the title was all but sealed.
Espanyol took advantage of loose Barcelona defending to reduce the deficit through Puado in the 73rd minute, with Joselu making it 4-2 in stoppage time.
Barcelona celebrated at full-time, but this angered Espanyol fans, who invaded the pitch, with Barcelona players sprinting down the tunnel to escape.
