Barcelona on Sunday secured their 29th Spanish league title after beating Real Madrid 2-0 in El Clasico.
Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres struck in the first half to help Hansi Flick’s side clinch La Liga in consecutive years, while consigning Madrid to a trophyless season.
Barca moved an unassailable 14 points clear of second-place Los Blancos with three matches remaining.
Photo: AFP
This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of an El Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca.
Flick’s team were disappointed to be knocked out in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid last month, but were still determined to celebrate in style.
“This title is more special for winning it at home against Madrid, now we have to enjoy it with the fans,” Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar. “We have been the best team in Spain — of course we [also] want to win the Champions League, that’s the objective.”
“Next year we will have another opportunity,” he added.
Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training ground scuffle with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, who started.
Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side’s comfortable triumph.
“It has been a tough day. It started in the morning and I really, I’ll never forget this day,” Flick told fans on the pitch. “I’m really proud about that we have such a team. I want to say thank you to everyone, thank you for everything, thanks for really fighting. I really appreciate that a lot.”