Barcelona won their first Spanish league title after the departure of Lionel Messi with a 4-2 win over Espanyol on Sunday.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice to lead the Catalan club to their first league title since 2019.
The title was secured with four games remaining and two years after Messi left amid the club’s financial struggles.
The title celebration was short-lived, however, as the players had to rush to the dressing room after a large group of Espanyol fans invaded the pitch from behind one of the goals and began run towards the Barcelona people who were singing and celebrating in the center. . Security guards quickly intervened but riot police had to stand in front of the tunnel entrance to prevent fans from entering.
Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé have also scored for Barcelona, who already have 27 leagues, eight fewer than Real Madrid.
The victory over city rivals Espanyol has given Barcelona an unsurpassed 85 points in 34 games, 14 points more than Madrid, who won 1-0 at Getafe on Saturday.
Barcelona have been leading since the 13th matchday and have the best defense in the league with 13 goals conceded, 15 better than any other club. It also has 25 clean sheets.
Barcelona won eight league titles in 11 seasons until 2019. They finished second behind Madrid in 2020, then third behind Madrid and champions Atlético in 2021. They were second behind Madrid last season .
Barcelona’s first title without Messi came in the Spanish Super Cup in January.
Report from The Associated Press.
Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski
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