Barcelona secured their 28th La Liga championship with a determined 2-0 victory against crosstown rivals Espanyol at a vibrant RCDE Stadium.
Despite controlling possession throughout the match, Hansi Flick’s squad faced significant challenges from the spirited hosts.
The statistical narrative belied Barcelona’s dominance, as Espanyol generated nearly twice the expected goals (1.3 compared to Barcelona’s 0.71).
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The first half saw the home side creating the more dangerous opportunities, with Gonzalez narrowly missing the target and captain Puado forcing a crucial save from goalkeeper Szczesny.
After the break, Barcelona found their breakthrough from their teenage sensation.
In the 53rd minute, Lamine Yamal collected a pass from Olmo on the right flank, cut inside onto his preferred left foot, and produced a magnificent curling shot beyond goalkeeper Garcia’s reach.
The contest’s complexion changed dramatically when Espanyol’s Cabrera received a red card for striking Yamal in the midsection.
Even with the numerical advantage, Barcelona couldn’t breathe easily until Lopez sealed both the victory and the championship with an excellent strike in the closing moments of injury time, with Yamal providing the assist.
This championship victory marks a domestic double in Flick’s debut season and represents the second time in three years that Barcelona has clinched the title at their local rival’s stadium.
While Espanyol showed promising signs in their fight against relegation with two fixtures remaining, the evening belonged to Barcelona, who have reclaimed their position at the summit of Spanish football.
