Barcelona have won La Liga for the first time since 2019 after beating Espanyol 4-2 in the Catalunya derby on Sunday thanks to a brace from Robert Lewandowski, and goals from Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde.
The victory secured Xavi Hernandez the trophy in his first full season as manager of a club, he won eight league titles with as a player.
Real Madrid reclaimed their second position after beating Getafe through a Marco Asensio goal on Saturday and Atletico Madrid dropped to third after surprisingly losing 1-0 to bottom-of-the-table Elche earlier on Sunday.
It has been a mixed season for Barcelona. They were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and then crashed out of the Europa League against Manchester United but they have sealed a first league title in four years.
This is the Catalan club’s 27th La Liga title, which leaves them eight behind rivals Madrid who have won La Liga 35 times. Atletico are third on the list, having been named league champions 11 times.
Despite their on-field success domestically this season, Barcelona are dealing with financial difficulties. The club have had to pull several economic levers that include letting players leave to remain above water in recent years and are still dealing with a hefty wage bill.
Barca confirmed earlier this month that director of football Mateu Alemany would leave on June 30 to pursue a new professional project. Xavi also told the press last month that the club faces significant restructuring off the pitch with sporting director Jordi Cruyff’s future uncertain.
Cruyff and Alemany have helped navigate a challenging financial period at Camp Nou, but the Dutchman’s contract runs out in the summer and he is now reconsidering his position.
On the pitch, team captain Sergio Busquets confirmed last week that he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season after 18 years of service.
