Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Barcelona, La Liga, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Josh Lawless
Barcelona have won La Liga for the 27th time after a comprehensive victory over Catalan rivals Espanyol on Sunday.
The Blaugrana won 4-2, with Robert Lewandowski bagging a brace and Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde also on target.
Javi Puado and Joselu found the net for the hosts but it failed to spoil the title party.
Barca went three seasons without winning the league in Spain, with their last triumph until now coming in the 2018/19 campaign.
But some smart signings in the summer, coupled with the emergence of some exceptionally talented youngsters, has seen Barca develop into a fine team under former captain Xavi Hernandez.
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With Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both faltering, Barca, despite difficulties in Europe, have been the best side in La Liga by far and tasted defeat just three times.
The victory at the RCDE Stadium took them 14 points clear at the top and ultimately sealed the title with four games to spare.
They won 27 of their 34 games and their success was built on solid defensive foundations, with Barca conceding just 13 goals in La Liga.
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Barca will not lift the trophy immediately after being crowned champions and will instead have the official presentation on 20 May at a sold-out Nou Camp following the clash with Real Sociedad.
A open-top bus parade through the streets of Barcelona to celebrate the triumph is also scheduled after the club reclaimed the crown from Real.
Legendary midfielder and captain Sergio Busquets will get to end his sensational Barca career by lifting the La Liga trophy after announcing he will be leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season.
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But it has been reported that former defender Gerard Pique will be invited back to participate in the celebrations.
The former Spain international made a shock retirement announcement after playing six times in the 2022/23 campaign.