Barcelona clinched their 29th La Liga title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in Sunday’s Clasico.
First-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres sealed the win for Hansi Flick’s side, who retained the Spanish crown in style while condemning Madrid to a trophyless campaign.
The result moved Barca 14 points clear of second-placed Los Blancos with only three matches remaining, making their lead mathematically unassailable.
It marked only the second time in La Liga history that the title race had been decided directly by the outcome of a Clasico. The first came in 1932, when Real Madrid secured their maiden league title following a draw with Barcelona.
Madrid arrived in turmoil after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury sustained during a training-ground altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, who nevertheless started the match.
Barcelona coach Flick also endured personal tragedy before kick-off following the death of his father, but still took his place on the touchline to oversee a composed and clinical performance from his side.
With teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sidelined through injury, Flick turned to the energetic Rashford — on loan from Manchester United — on the right wing, and the forward repaid his manager’s faith almost immediately.
Although Barcelona only needed to avoid defeat, they played with attacking intent from the outset and stormed into a two-goal lead within 18 minutes.
Rashford opened the scoring with a magnificent free-kick, curling the ball into the top-left corner from 20 yards out.
Torres doubled Barca’s advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, where 62,000 supporters celebrated the first Clasico at the reopened stadium. Dani Olmo’s clever backheel released Torres into the box, and the Spaniard rifled past Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid threatened briefly when Gonzalo Garcia, deputising for the injured Kylian Mbappe, raced through on goal but dragged his effort narrowly wide.
Madrid struggle to respond
Urged on by coach Alvaro Arbeloa — who may not remain in charge next season — Madrid fought to contain the damage.
Rashford nearly added a third before halftime but shot wide despite Fermin Lopez being unmarked in a promising position.
Torres also missed a golden opportunity early in the second half, denied by a sharp save from Courtois after breaking clear.
Jude Bellingham thought he had pulled one back for Madrid, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside, while Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia produced an excellent save to deny Vinicius Junior.
Barcelona supporters mocked Vinicius by batting inflatable beach balls around the stands, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Brazilian’s failed Ballon d’Or bid, as the celebrations gathered momentum.
Courtois prevented further embarrassment for Madrid with late saves from substitutes Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, keeping the scoreline respectable.
Flick’s team remain on course to equal the league record of 100 points in a season and could still finish with a perfect home record if they beat Real Betis in their final match at Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Madrid end a second straight season without major silverware and now face the prospect of significant summer changes, with former coach Jose Mourinho reportedly linked to a sensational return.
For now, however, president Florentino Perez appears no closer to finding an answer to Flick’s dominant Barcelona side.
AFP
