FC Barcelona secured their 28th La Liga title in style, defeating crosstown rivals Espanyol 2-0 at the RCDE Stadium on Thursday night, capping a remarkable debut season for head coach Hansi Flick.
The victory, powered by a stunning strike from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and a goal from FermÃn López, ensured Barcelona finished seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with just two matches remaining in the 2024-25 season.
The Catalan giants, who also claimed the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup earlier this year, completed a domestic treble, showcasing their dominance in Spanish football.
The title win marks a triumphant return to the top for Barcelona, who have been unstoppable under Flick’s high-pressing, attacking philosophy, losing only two league matches in 2025.
Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy, stole the show in the 53rd minute, gliding past two defenders before unleashing a trademark left-footed curler into the top corner, sending the away fans into a frenzy.
López sealed the victory late in the game, capitalizing on a precise Yamal assist to put the result beyond doubt.
The teenager, who has now scored 24 goals in 104 appearances for Barcelona, was hailed as the face of the club’s resurgence, with fans chanting his name long after the final whistle.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win the title here,” Yamal told Movistar Plus after the match. “We wanted this for our fans, especially after the Champions League disappointment. We’ll keep pushing for more.”
Flick’s impact has been undeniable. The former Bayern Munich coach, who led Barcelona to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the final El Clásico of the season last Sunday, praised his team’s mentality.
“We’ve always thought positively, and the players have reached their highest level. Three titles in my first season is just great,” Flick said.
Barcelona’s dominance was underlined by their perfect record against Real Madrid this season, winning all four Clásico encounters, including a 4-0 rout at the Santiago Bernabéu and victories in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals.
Raphinha, who has enjoyed a breakout season with 18 league goals and nine assists, and Robert Lewandowski, with 25 goals, were instrumental in the team’s attacking prowess, which saw them score 169 goals across all competitions.
The match against Espanyol was not without tension, with memories of 2023 when Barcelona’s title celebrations at the same venue led to fan unrest.
This time, the Blaugrana players headed down the tunnel to celebrate, avoiding a repeat of the chaotic scenes.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who came out of retirement to join Barcelona, was emotional as he celebrated the title. “I was on a beach in Marbella nine months ago, and now I’m a champion again,” the 35-year-old said. “This team, this club—it’s special.”
As Barcelona fans spilled onto the streets of the city to celebrate, the focus now shifts to the future. Despite their Champions League semifinal exit against Inter Milan, the team’s young core—Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde—signals a bright future.
With Flick’s aggressive, high-risk style yielding 15 wins and two draws in the league this year, Barcelona have reestablished themselves as Spain’s premier force.
“La Liga is ours again, but we’re not done,” said captain Inigo Martinez. “We deserve this, and now we’ll aim for more next season.”
Barcelona’s next challenge comes against Villarreal on Sunday, but for now, the city is painted red and blue as fans celebrate a season to remember.
Tags
sports