Barcelona have been crowned La Liga champions for the 28th time in the club’s illustrious history following a commanding 2-0 win over local rivals Espanyol on Thursday night. A stunning strike from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal and a late goal by Fermín López sealed the title with two games to spare, as Barcelona moved seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
This win not only confirms Barcelona‘s return to domestic dominance but also caps off a brilliant season under new manager Hansi Flick, who has now delivered a domestic treble in his debut year—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Yamal Sparks Title Triumph with Spectacular Finish
In front of a hostile crowd at the RCDE Stadium, Barcelona struggled to find rhythm early in the match. With Espanyol desperate for points to escape relegation, the derby clash was tense and physical. But after a cautious first half, it was teenage sensation Lamine Yamal who broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion.
Cutting in from the right flank, Yamal unleashed a curling left-footed shot from outside the box into the top corner in the 53rd minute—a goal that will surely be remembered as one of the season’s best. It was the 17-year-old’s eighth La Liga goal this campaign and another highlight in what has been a breakout season. Yamal’s knack for scoring in high-stakes matches, including goals against both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, has cemented his status as one of Europe’s brightest young stars.
Despite going down to ten men after Leandro Cabrera was shown a red card for elbowing Yamal, Espanyol continued to fight and press high. But their efforts were ultimately in vain. In the 95th minute, Fermín López found space and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Joan García to double Barcelona‘s lead and confirm the title.
As the final whistle blew, Barcelona players celebrated on the same pitch where they won the league title in 2023. However, unlike last year when they were chased off the field by furious Espanyol supporters, this time the home club responded by turning on the sprinklers to douse the celebrating visitors—perhaps a symbolic effort to cool emotions.
The night wasn’t without concern, as several Espanyol fans were struck by a car near the stadium ahead of kickoff. Fortunately, none of the injuries were serious. Authorities later stated the incident appeared to be accidental, and the match went ahead as planned.
Hansi Flick’s arrival at Barcelona in the summer marked a new era, and he has wasted no time in delivering results. Known for his high-pressing, attacking philosophy, Flick has rejuvenated a squad that blends experienced stars like Lewandowski, Ter Stegen, and Frenkie de Jong with exciting young talents such as Pedri, Gavi, López, and of course, Yamal.
Under his guidance, Barcelona have played some of the most dynamic football in Europe this season. They dominated possession across most of their matches and approached a century of league goals—an impressive feat given the fierce competition.
Many believe the title was truly decided during last weekend’s exhilarating 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico. That result gave Barcelona the edge and the momentum to close out the season in style. Thursday’s victory simply made it official.
A Season to Remember for Barcelona
This marks Barcelona’s second La Liga title in six years and reaffirms the club’s resurgence following a few challenging seasons. With the domestic treble secured, only the Champions League eluded them this year, but the foundations are firmly in place for a serious run in Europe next season.
The combination of Flick’s tactical vision, experienced leadership, and youthful energy has reignited belief at the club. For the fans, players, and management alike, this season has been a celebration of the Barcelona identity—attacking flair, La Masia talent, and relentless ambition.
With the league title in hand, Barcelona can afford to rotate in their final two matches, but Flick will likely use the remaining games to continue shaping his project for the future. Youth development and squad depth remain key priorities as Barcelona aim to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
For now, though, the city of Barcelona can celebrate its champions—and the image of Lamine Yamal’s stunning goal in the derby will be etched into club history as the moment that sealed a season of glory.
Source- PUNCH
