Barcelona have been crowned LaLiga champions for the first time in four years after hammering local rivals Espanyol 4-2 on the road.
Robert Lewandowski's first-half double, either side of a strike from young star Alejandro Balde, set them on their way. Although the hosts pulled two goals back in Sunday's second half to avoid a whitewash, Jules Kounde had already netted and ensured an unassailable 14-point lead for Barca over arch-enemies Real Madrid, who'll have to settle for second place under Carlo Ancelotti.
For Barcelona manager Xavi, he marked his first full season in charge with an emphatic title win, the second trophy to arrive at the Camp Nou this term. In January, the Blaugrana beat Champions League semi-finalists Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup.
Unfortunately, there was trouble after the final whistle when Barcelona's players were chased off the pitch by angry Espanyol supporters. Barca celebrated in the centre circle of their rivals' stadium and home fans were furious. A few hundred jumped from their seats to invade the pitch and halt their opponents' celebrations.
While the scoreline suggested Barcelona dominated at the RCDE Stadium, Espanyol actually managed more shots on target as they attempted what would've been a stunning comeback. Lewandowski had the champions up and running after 11 minutes, tapping in Balde's fierce low delivery to begin the night in exactly the right manner for Barca.
Then the Spanish left-back got a goal of his own, assisted by fellow hotshot Pedri. Just before half-time, Lewandowski grabbed his 21st LaLiga goal of the season and became the first Barcelona player since Ronaldo in 1997 to hit 30 goals across all competitions during his debut campaign, having endured a poor run of post-World Cup form which has seen his longevity come into question.
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Kounde headed home Frenkie de Jong's looping ball to make it 4-0 on 53 minutes, and that's when Espanyol started to get a foothold of the game. Javier Puado pulled one back with just over quarter of an hour to go before former Stoke and Newcastle striker Joselu scored in injury-time.
The full-time whistle blew to confirm Barcelona's triumph and prompt the aforementioned wild scenes. Fortunately for Barca, they've got home comforts next as they host Real Sociedad next Saturday night.
Enemies Real Madrid, meanwhile, face Manchester City in a mouth-watering Champions semi-final second leg on Wednesday. Ancelotti and co drew 1-1 with City at the Bernabeu this week, as they aim to retain their title as European champions.
For Barca, though, it's time to celebrate their first title since 2019 and the days of Lionel Messi.
