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Barcelona Crowned La Liga Champions with Derby Victory Over Espanyol
May
Barcelona have officially clinched the 2024-25 La Liga title after a decisive 2-0 victory over city rivals Espanyol on Thursday night, sealing the championship with two games to spare.
The win takes Barça seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, making it mathematically impossible for their arch-rivals to catch up. It also marks a dream debut season for head coach Hansi Flick, who joined the club last summer and now celebrates a domestic treble in his first campaign.
A Historic Season Under Flick
The title win at the RCDE Stadium came courtesy of a second-half strike from Lamine Yamal in the 53rd minute and a late goal by Fermín López, confirming Barcelona’s dominance not only in the Catalan derby but in Spanish football this season.
The triumph completes a clean sweep of domestic trophies for Barcelona:
- Supercopa de España (January)
- Copa del Rey (April)
- La Liga title (May)
It’s only Barça’s second league title since 2019, regaining the crown from Real Madrid, who won it last season.
How Barça Did It
Flick’s men began the campaign in blistering form, winning 11 of their first 12 league matches. However, a slump followed with just one win in eight games from November to January, briefly dropping them to third.
But the team rebounded impressively, collecting 46 points from their next 16 league matches. That run included a thrilling 4-3 El Clásico win over Real Madrid last weekend and underlined Barça’s dominance across all four meetings with Madrid this season—winning all four and scoring 16 goals.
Following that defeat, it was confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti would leave Real Madrid at the end of the season to take over as head coach of Brazil.
Analysis: Flick’s Bold Blueprint Delivers
This title is more than just silverware—it’s a statement of intent from a rejuvenated Barcelona under Flick.
The German tactician has implemented a bold, high-risk tactical system: a high defensive line, relentless counter-press, and a commitment to fluid, attacking football. His fingerprints are all over a squad that looked uninspired just a year ago.
Key Players of the Campaign
- Lamine Yamal: At just 17, he’s not only a league champion but arguably La Liga’s most influential player this season. He leads a new generation alongside Pau Cubarsí, adding depth to the Pedri–Gavi era.
- Raphinha: Nearly offloaded last summer, the Brazilian has emerged as one of Europe’s top-performing wingers, combining tireless work rate with creativity and finishing—now even being mentioned as a Ballon d’Or contender.
- Iñigo Martínez: Signed at 31 and once plagued by registration issues, the veteran defender has become the linchpin of Barcelona’s defense, anchoring Flick’s high line with confidence.
This title run reminded fans and pundits alike that football is still a team game, and Barcelona’s collective resurgence has overshadowed Real Madrid’s star-studded “Galacticos 2.0.”
With domestic glory now secured, Barcelona will aim to carry this momentum into Europe next season. Under Flick’s leadership and with a vibrant young core, the club looks set to contend for the Champions League and reestablish itself at the summit of world football.
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