- Barcelona needed three points from their final three games to win the LaLiga title
- Hansi Flick’s side beat rivals Espanyol 2-0 to secure glory on Thursday evening
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Barcelona have won LaLiga for a 29th time after beating Espanyol 2-0 on Thursday night.
The Catalan giants needed just three points from their final three games to regain the Spanish top flight title after they beat Real Madrid 4-3 in an enthralling El Clasico on Sunday.
They faced a trip to city rivals Espanyol, who are languishing in 16th place, and after a goalless first half, a moment of magic from Lamine Yamal put Hansi Flick’s side ahead.
After receiving the ball on the right touchline, the 17-year-old cut inside before curling a sublime left-footed effort into the top corner.
Espanyol kept fighting, and put Barcelona under pressure, but their hopes were hampered when Leandro Cabrera was dismissed following a VAR review after he was found to have elbowed Yamal off the ball.
Wojciech Szczesny was forced into a couple of late saves, but the Catalans ultimately held firm before Fermin Lopez added the gloss on the victory with a late second after he was set up by Yamal.
Barcelona have won LaLiga for a 29th time after beating Espanyol 2-0 on Thursday night
The victory, at the home of their rivals, ensured they would be taking the title back off Real Madrid after a brilliant season.
Barcelona’s players began to celebrate at full-time, but they were involved in some altercations with their Espanyol counterparts who didn’t appear to be too happy.
Flick attempted to defuse the situation and appeared to be furious having spoken ahead of the game about the need for his players to be respectful if they did win the title.
‘I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or think about celebrations before the game,’ he had said. ‘You have to focus on the game. I saw what happened two years ago on television.
‘Whatever needs to be done, always with respect. You have to fight for the three points, and then we’ll do what’s right.’
In fact, the German was seen shoving some of his stars towards the tunnel in an attempt to get them off the pitch, while the sprinklers were turned on and left Barcelona players soaked in another move to dampen the celebrations.
Flick’s words came after ugly scenes occurred two years ago when Barcelona last win the title – also at Espanyol’s stadium – and their players were chased into the tunnel by home supporters.
Meanwhile, Barcelona weren’t at their best on Thursday, but it should take nothing away from what has been a fantastic campaign.
After replacing Xavi last summer following a difficult year on and off the pitch, Flick has built a hugely exciting and free-flowing side that is littered with talented academy graduates.
Yamal – who has eight goals and 13 assists – has gained many of the headlines, but homegrown stars such as Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Pedri and Lopez have also played integral roles.
Elsewhere, Robert Lewandowski netted 25 goals and Raphinha scored 18 and assisted nine more.
Flick has also had to deal with problems off the field, including repeated struggles to register the likes of key summer signing Dani Olmo, and he led Barcelona to the Champions League semi-final.
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