Barcelona earn La Liga title with Espanyol rout

Barcelona’s players celebrate winning their 27th Spanish league championship after the Spanish league football match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at†the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on May 14, 2023. – Barcelona won Spain’s La Liga for the first time since 2019 by thrashing Espanyol 4-2 today, wrestling the title from rivals Real Madrid. The Catalan giants clinched their 27th Spanish championship with an emphatic derby victory, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice, alongside Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde’s goals. (Photo by Lluis GENE / AFP)

Barcelona won La Liga for the first time since 2019 by thrashing Espanyol 4-2 on Sunday, wrestling the title back from rivals Real Madrid.

The Catalan giants clinched their 27th Spanish championship at the home of their neighbours, with scenes turning ugly at full time as celebrating Barcelona players were chased from the field by pitch invaders.

Robert Lewandowski struck twice for Barcelona, along with goals for Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde, while Javi Puado and Joselu pulled two back late on for the hosts.

Barcelona have endured a troubled period on and off the pitch in recent years but their triumph signals significant improvement, with coach Xavi Hernandez winning his first major trophy since taking over in November 2021.

President Joan Laporta’s rebuild was widely criticised last summer in light of the club’s perilous financial situation.

Early Champions League elimination was a blow, but the club won the Spanish Super Cup in January, before sealing La Liga glory with four games to spare.

“It was a very emotional moment, a moment very hard not to celebrate after so many months of work,” said Xavi.

“We didn’t celebrate just because it was Espanyol’s stadium.”

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