Barça clinch La Liga title after defeating local rivals | OneFootball

Barcelona have been crowned Spanish champions after a 2-0 away to crosstown rivals Espanyol.

Hansi Flick's side knew all they had to do was win on the night but early on it looked like the home side were looking to put the celebrations on ice.

Espanyol began the game well and had three big chances with Barça eventually growing into the match as the first half went on.

The deadlock was broken early into the second half thanks to a piece of brilliance from none other than Lamine Yamal. The teenager cut inside and unleashed his typical curling effort that was placed perfectly into the corner with Joan Garcia having no chance of saving it.

Espanyol were reduced to 10 men late on after a foolish swing of the arm aimed at the midriff of Yamal from Leandro Cabrera as he was shielding the ball out of play. VAR was needed to get the referee to check the monitor but from that point on there was only going to be one outcome.

Despite being down a player, the Periquitos looked good as the game went into its final stages but lacked the quality to create another big chance like they did early on.

Then towards extra-time Yamal found substitute Fermín López to sweep home and seal the title.

Celebrations were relatively muted after full time as Flick tried to get his players straight down the tunnel.

Barça still have two games left to play this season, at home to Villarreal at the weekend before facing Athletic Club on the final day.

For Espanyol though, there is still the danger of relegation after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat but a win in any of their remaining two games will ensure their status for next season.