Barcelona secured their 28th La Liga title with a 2-0 win over Espanyol, thanks to a spectacular goal from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. The teenage forward curled a powerful effort into the top corner just after the break, ensuring his team could no longer be caught by second-placed Real Madrid.
Fermín López added a second in stoppage time, converting from a Yamal assist to seal the win. The result confirmed Barcelona’s clean sweep of domestic trophies this season under new manager Hansi Flick, who also guided the team to victory in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
There was a brief interruption in the first half after a car struck a group of supporters outside the stadium. Thirteen people were injured, with four taken to hospital, but none were reported to be in serious condition. The game resumed soon after the pause.
Espanyol’s hopes faded when Leandro Cabrera was dismissed for striking Yamal in the face during a duel for the ball. Despite some missed opportunities from the hosts, Barcelona held firm to clinch the decisive win and their third trophy of the campaign.
A breakthrough season for a rising star
Yamal’s goal against Espanyol marked his 17th of the season and further underlined his status as one of the brightest young players in world football. The winger, who also set up López’s goal, has now scored 24 times in 104 appearances for the club and added four goals in 19 games for Spain.
This campaign has seen him deliver standout moments across all competitions, including goals in three encounters against Real Madrid, a strike in the European Championship semi-final, and another in the Champions League last four. His performance against Espanyol may stand out as one of the most important, helping secure the league crown.
Midfielder Pedri praised his young teammate, revealing that the goal was something Yamal regularly practises. He noted the youngster had hit the same shot twice in the pre-match warm-up. Pedri also called for the club to support and protect Yamal as he continues to grow.
In addition to his goals, Yamal has also provided 28 assists in his career, with 13 coming in La Liga this season – more than any other player in the competition.
Celebrations, tradition and a hint of tension
Barcelona’s title win was officially sealed at Espanyol’s stadium, the RCDE Stadium – remarkably, the third time in the 21st century they have celebrated a league triumph at their city rivals’ ground. This includes their previous title win in 2023 and confirmation in 2013 after Real Madrid dropped points there.
Despite their success, the celebrations ended with some friction. A minor altercation occurred at full-time, and sprinklers were turned on by stadium staff as Barcelona’s players marked their achievement on the pitch.
Two years earlier, the club’s players had to flee into the tunnel after Espanyol fans stormed the field following another title confirmation at the same venue.
Barcelona plan to parade their trophies through the city streets on Friday in an open-top bus. They will be officially presented with the La Liga trophy during their home game against Villarreal on Sunday evening.
