With two games to spare, Barcelona have mathematically secured the 2024/25 La Liga title, after beating city rivals Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Thursday.
Lamine Yamal struck first in the 53rd minute, and after Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera received a straight red card with 10 minutes left on the clock, Fermin Lopez set the final score deep in stoppage time.
Teams
While Espanyol boss Manolo Gonzalez had only the absence of defender Brian Olivan to deal with, Hansi Flick in the away dugout was without defender Jules Kounde, midfielder Marc Bernal and forward Ferran Torres through injury, as well as defender Inigo Martinez who missed this clash through yellow-card suspension.
For the hosts, Joan Garcia was in goal. Cabrera was ed by Marash Kumbulla in the heart of defence, with Carlos Romero on the left and Omar El Hilali on the right. Pol Lozano and Urko Gonzalez were tasked with covering the middle of the park, and in attack, striker Roberto Fernandez had from Antoniu Roca, Edu Exposito and Javi Puado.
Though Marc-Andre ter Stegen is available after spending most of the season on the sidelines, Flick has no reason to withdraw Wojciech Szczesny from his role between the posts, and the Poland international has kept his place in the team for the time being. Andreas Christensen ed Ronald Araujo in the heart of defence, flanked by Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri paired up in midfield. Dani Olmo was picked ahead of Gavi for the No. 10 role, while Raphinha and Yamal ed Robert Lewandowski from the flanks.
Brief recap
Espanyol started the game with vigor, creating several early opportunities that tested Barcelona’s defense. Flick was rewarded for keeping faith with Szczesny – the veteran shot-stopper was instrumental in keeping the hosts at bay with crucial saves, and the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal showcased his exceptional talent. Receiving the ball on the right flank, the young Spain winger embarked on a mesmerizing solo run, weaving through defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Espanyol’s goalkeeper to give Barcelona the lead.
The match’s intensity escalated in the 65th minute when Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera received a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident involving Yamal, reducing the home side to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Espanyol continued to press forward, seeking an equalizer.
As the game approached its conclusion, Barcelona capitalized on the extra space. In stoppage time, Yamal turned provider, delivering a precise assist to Lopez, who finished clinically to secure the 2-0 victory.
Yamal’s consistent brilliance
Lamine Yamal has consistently been among Barcelona’s standout performers this season, but his recent displays have elevated him to a whole new level.
His performances against Inter Milan and in both Clasicos underlined his ability to thrive under pressure, and once again, he delivered when it mattered most to help secure the league title.
The first half saw Espanyol effectively contain him through tight pressing and close marking, limiting his influence. But after the break, Yamal was simply unplayable.
In the 53rd minute, with space at a , he picked up the ball, drove through the middle, and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner from outside the box – a goal of remarkable quality.
Later, he capped off his display with a sublime assist, threading an inch-perfect to Fermin Lopez for the decisive goal – the kind of vision few players possess.
Once spoken of as a prodigious talent, Yamal is now firmly establishing himself among the very best in world football – and rightly so.
Worthy champions
Barcelona’s league campaign has been a demanding journey, filled with highs and lows across its length.
After a strong start that saw them top the table early on, the team endured a rough patch towards the end of the year, allowing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to move ahead. Yet, despite the turbulence, Barcelona ultimately emerged on top, sealing the title with a crucial win at the RCDE Stadium in the Catalan derby.
Last week’s El Clasico triumph was the turning point, creating the gap they needed over Real Madrid. Even with Los Blancos beating Mallorca, Barcelona’s victory ensured a seven-point lead that is now unassailable with only two matches remaining.
The title win carries a poetic touch, echoing the club’s previous league triumph which also came at the same venue against the same opponents.
While the team did not to celebrate on the pitch too emphatically (the hosts turned on the sprinklers straight on the final whistle, just to make sure), festivities are expected to be in full swing during their next home game, against Villarreal on Sunday.
More significantly, the result secures Barcelona’s domestic treble this season, bringing a successful end to their trophy pursuit.
Meanwhile, Espanyol are left slightly worried about their top-flight status, sitting five points ahead of Leganes who top the relegation zone at the moment.
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