“FC Barcelona clinch 27th Spanish championship after Espanyol derby win”

FC Barcelona are Spanish champions. After winning the derby at Espanyol, the Catalans can no longer take first place.

Big cheers for Robert Lewandowski. The former Munich player contributed two goals in his FC Barcelona’s 4-2 win in the Espanyol derby – and was thus instrumental in the Catalans’ victory. Thanks to the success, FC Barcelona has secured its first Spanish championship since 2019. In the past three years, the title has gone to Madrid (twice Real, once Atletico). It is the 27th title in the club’s history.

Barça’s star striker (11th/40th) with his number 20 and 21 goals of the season, Alejandro Balde (20th) and Jules Kounde (53rd) scored the goals for the new champion with Germany international goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Javier Puado (73′) and Joselu (90’+2′) scored for Espanyol.

With four games to go before the end of the season, Barça is 14 points ahead of arch-rivals and record champions Real Madrid, who beat Getafe FC 1-0 (0-0) on Saturday. When the last title was won four years ago, seven-time world footballer Lionel Messi was still the leader in Barça’s ranks.

The championship success is also the first major triumph for Barça icon Xavi (43), who has been the Catalans’ head coach since November 2021. In the cup semifinals he failed with Barça because of the eventual winners Real.