Barcelona Clinch 28th LaLiga Title with Derby Win Over Espanyol

Barcelona have been crowned LaLiga champions for the 28th time after a 2-0 victory over local rivals Espanyol on Thursday, securing the title with two games to spare. The win gave them an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.

Real Madrid had kept their faint hopes alive with a late win over Mallorca the previous day, but Barcelona put the title race to bed themselves thanks to second-half goals from teenage star Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez.

Yamal broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute with a stunning curling shot after a brilliant solo run. In stoppage time, he turned provider, assisting Lopez, who sealed the win with a clinical strike from inside the box.

The victory takes Hansi Flick’s side to 85 points, ahead of Real Madrid on 78, with Atletico Madrid trailing in third on 70. It marks a dream debut season for Flick, who has led Barcelona to a league and Copa del Rey double.

The title celebrations were slightly delayed midweek when Real Madrid snatched a last-gasp victory, but Barcelona left no room for doubt with their derby performance. A brief interruption occurred before the match due to a car accident outside the stadium that injured several fans.

Espanyol put up a fight in the first half, with Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny making a key save to deny Javi Puado. However, the momentum shifted after Yamal’s wonder goal. Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera was shown a red card late in the match for elbowing Yamal, and Barca took full control from there.

“Lamine’s goal is something he practices often, even in warm-ups,” said teammate Pedri. “We need to take care of him—he’s a fantastic talent. Winning the league isn’t something that happens every day, so we’re going to enjoy this moment.”

Barcelona will officially be presented with the LaLiga trophy during a special ceremony in the city on Friday.