Barcelona secured their 28th La Liga championship with a convincing 2-0 victory over local rivals Espanyol on Thursday. A brilliant strike from teenager Lamine Yamal and a late goal by Fermin López ensured that Real Madrid cannot catch them at the top of the table.
Yamal, just 17 years old, opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a stunning curling effort from outside the box, reminiscent of his recent heroics for Spain in the Euro 2024 semifinals. His performance throughout the season has been remarkable, showcasing his ability to shine on big occasions.
Fermín López sealed the win in stoppage time, helping Barcelona complete a superb domestic double. Only the UEFA Champions League eluded the young and dynamic squad this season.
“It’s time to celebrate,” said Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, who emphasized his team’s commitment to continuous improvement. “It’s in our DNA to always strive for more. I want the players to keep that hunger and desire to get better.”
The match was intense, with Espanyol fighting to secure their top-flight survival. Barcelona dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen made crucial saves to keep Espanyol at bay, highlighting the team’s defensive solidity.
Despite the victory, celebrations were cautious due to tensions with the home supporters. An incident outside the stadium saw several Espanyol fans struck by a car, though fortunately none were seriously injured. Authorities reported it appeared to be an accident.
With this triumph, Barcelona fans have much to look forward to as the youthful squad continues to develop under Xavi’s leadership.
