FC Barcelona have been crowned Champions of Spain after beating Espanyol in Cornellà to mathematically clinch the club’s 27th league title and their first under coach Xavi Hernández. Barcelona accumulated 85 points with 4 games to spare and finished the campaign with 14 points above Real Madrid, who sits in second place with 71 points.
Just at the 53rd minute, Barcelona had already taken a 0-4 lead in the derby game against Espanyol. Robert Lewandowski grabbed a brace, Balde and Joules Kounde added their names into the score sheet.
It’s Barcelona, Ninth league trophy in 15 years.
This was their first league title since 2018/19 under Ernesto Valverde, before the pandemic.
Coach Xavi Hernández was more delighted than anyone with his side’s achievement:
“I have the feeling that it is a job well done. We started in July, and we have put in an extraordinary league campaign. It’s really important for the stability of the project, and it confirms that we are going about things the right way.”
On the win against Espanyol, Xavi admitted it was “the moment to show that we could be brilliant.” He continued: “It’s not Xavi’s league, it’s Barça’s league title, a Barça that is growing and developing. I am delighted for the players, for the staff and for the board…I feel really proud to coach these players.”
The key to Barcelona’s success this season has been their attacking play. The team has scored 86 goals in 34 La Liga games, which is the most of any team in the league. The attacking trident of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres, and Ousmane Dembele has been in devastating form, scoring 50 goals between them.
Barcelona’s defense has also been solid this season, conceding just 27 goals in 34 games. The team has been particularly good at home, where they have won 19 of their 21 games.
Here are some of the key factors that contributed to Barcelona’s La Liga title win:
- The arrival of Xavi Hernandez as manager. Xavi is a Barcelona legend and he has brought a sense of identity and belief back to the club. He has also implemented a style of play that is very attacking and attractive to watch.
- The signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang has been a revelation since joining Barcelona in January. He has scored 11 goals in 15 La Liga games and he has provided a number of assists as well.
- The form of Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembele. Torres and Dembele have also been in excellent form this season. Torres has scored 12 goals in 20 La Liga games, while Dembele has provided 13 assists.
- The solidity of the defense. Barcelona’s defense has been much improved this season. The team has conceded just 27 goals in 34 games, which is the second-best record in the league.
