Barcelona mathematically secured the LA La Liga title on 2024/25 in two games after beating City rival Espanyol at RCDE Stadium on Thursday.
Rameenyarmal attacked first in the 53rd minute, and after Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera received a straight red card with 10 minutes remaining in the 24th minute, Fermin Lopez set the final score deep into the stop time.
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Espanyol boss Manolo Gonzalez was all they could do to defender Brian Ollivan, but Hansi Flick on the away dugout was not defender Jules Counde, midfielder Mark Vernal and forward Ferran Torres through injury and defender Inigo Martinez who missed the collision.
For the host, Joan Garcia was in the finish line. Cabrera was joined by Marash Kumbra in the centre of his defense, with Carlos Romero on the left and Omar El Hilari on the right. Pol Lozano and Urko Gonzalez were tasked with covering the middle of the park, and in the attack, striker Roberto Fernandez was supported by Antoniu Roca, Edu Exposito and Javi Puado.
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Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is available after spending most of the season on the sidelines, but Flick has no reason to withdraw Wojciech Szczesny from the interpost role. Andreas Christensen joined Ronald Araujo at the centre of his defense, adjacent to Eric Garcia and Gerald Martin. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri paired up in the middle. Dani Ormo was chosen before Gavi in the 10th place role, while Rafina and Yamal supported Frank’s Robert Lewandowski.
Short summary
Espanyol launched the game by energizing several early opportunities to test Barcelona’s defense. Flick was rewarded by keeping his faith in Szczesny. The veteran shotstopper kept the hosts at bay with important saves and finished goalless for the first 45 minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when 17-year-old genius Ramin Yamal showed off his extraordinary talent. The young Spanish winger, receiving the ball on his right flank, embarked on a seductive solo run, weaving in the defender and giving Barcelona the lead past Espanyol’s goalkeeper.
The intensity of the match 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 10. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Espanyol continued to move forward in search of an equalizer.
As the game approached its conclusion, Barcelona took advantage of the extra space. At the downtime, Yamal turned the provider and provided accurate assistance to Lopez, who was clinically finished to secure a 2-0 victory.
Yamal’s consistent shine
Lamine Yamal has been a consistent Barcelona performer this season, but his recent display has taken him to a whole new level.
His performance against Inter Milan and both Classicos highlighted his ability to thrive under pressure, and once again he delivered at the most important time to secure a league title.
The first half effectively contained him through close markings that were pressed against him, limiting his influence. However, after the break, Yamal simply couldn’t play.
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In the 53rd minute, space was premium and he picked up the ball, ran through the middle and unleashed a spectacular strike from outside the box into the top corner.
He then rounded out the display with a sublime assist and passed the perfect 1 inch pass to Fermin Lopez for his decisive goal.
Once described as an incredible talent, Yamal has now firmly established himself among the best football in the world.
A valuable champion
Barcelona’s league campaign is a tough journey, full of highs and lows over its lengths.
After a strong start, seeing them at the top of the table early, the team endured a rough patch towards the end of the year, allowing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to move forward. However, despite the turbulence, Barcelona eventually appeared on the top, sealing the title with a key victory at the RCDE Stadium in the Catalonian Derby.
Last week’s El Clasico victory was a turning point, creating the gaps needed for Real Madrid. Even if the Los Blancos defeated Mallorca, Barcelona’s victory guaranteed a 7-point lead, with only two games left now.
The title victory had a poetic touch and reflected the club’s previous league victory, bringing it to the same venue against the same opponent.
The team didn’t emphasize too much on the pitch (the hosts certainly straightened the sprinkler with the final whistle), but it is expected that the festival will be in full swing during the next home game against Villarreal on Sunday.
More importantly, the results will secure Barcelona’s domestic high range this season, bringing a successful end to the trophy pursuit.
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Meanwhile, Espanyol is a bit worried about top flight status and is sitting five points ahead of Legane, above the relegation zone at this time.