Barcelona beat Espanyol 4-2, win 27th La Liga title
The Catalan giants clinch their Spanish championship at the home of their neighbors.
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Barcelona's players celebrate winning their 27th Spanish league championship after their match against RCD Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on May 14, 2023 (AFP)
Barcelona won La Liga for the first time since 2019 by beating Espanyol 4-2 on Sunday, retrieving the title back from rivals Real Madrid.
The Catalan giants clinched their 27th Spanish championship at the home of their neighbors. Robert Lewandowski struck twice for Barcelona, along with goals for Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde, while Espanyol's Javi Puado and Joselu scored two late goals for the hosts.
Barcelona have witnessed a troubled period on and off the pitch in recent years, but their recent win signals significant improvement, with coach Xavi Hernandez winning his first major trophy since taking over in November 2021.
Culers, this one is for YOU! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tliyGm327Q
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 14, 2023
Early Champions League elimination was a blow, but the club won the Spanish Super Cup in January against Real Madrid, before sealing La Liga glory with four games remaining.
"It's a magnificent feeling, (of) work well done," Xavi told Movistar, adding, "Ten months of work and sacrifice. The fans deserve it, the club, it gives us stability and security that things are being done well."
"We sealed La Liga with a fantastic game, we were brilliant," he expressed.
Xavi's side celebrated at full-time, to the anger of Espanyol fans, who invaded the pitch, with Barcelona players sprinting down the tunnel to escape.
Barcelona have just won La Liga after winning 4-2 away at local rivals Espanyol.
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) May 14, 2023
Barca players were celebrating on the pitch, until Espanyol fans invaded the pitch and literally chased them off…
The Barca players legged it… 🤣😲pic.twitter.com/ai1KRGvPkc
"The celebration is normal, but I know we're not at home and we can't lack respect," added Xavi.
"I know it's difficult to control but I told them the best thing would be to get inside now."
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