May 15 – Spanish giants FC Barcelona won their 27th league title after two first-half goals from Robert Lewandowski led the club to a 4-2 victory against crosstown rivals Espanyol. It’s Barcelona’s first title in four years and comes at a welcome time with major financial problems and the shadow of a refereeing scandal off the pitch.
On 85 points from 34 matches, the Catalonians enjoy an unassailable 14 points over second-placed Real Madrid. After the final whistle, a minority of home supporters then invaded the pitch, curtailing Barcelona’s celebrations.
“We are a solid team, a well-oiled squad with an outstanding and that’s how champions are built,” said Sergio Busquets, whom last week announced his retirement.
“I’m proud of what we did the entire season, being solid and regular, winning the games we should and not dropping points. It was a remarkable season and I’m so happy to end my history here this way.”
A Barcelona legend, coach Xavi has built his team around defensive solidity. Barcelona have conceded 13 goals in the league and just two at home. And while the style of play might not always have been satisfying it delivered a crucial trophy. Barcelona last won the league in the 2018-19 season when Lionel Messi still played for the club.
However, the club has been in a prolonged financial crisis since the departure of the Argentinean. The huge wage bill, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the club’s renovation project have been a toxic mix undermining the club’s financial stability. To exacerbate the crisis, Barcelona have been accused of match manipulation after paying €7.3 million to firms owned by former refereeing official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira between 2001 and 2018.
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