Barcelona Wins 2-0 Against Espanyol to Secure LaLiga Title
On Thursday, FC Barcelona claimed their 28th LaLiga title by defeating Espanyol 2-0 at the Estadio Cornellà-El Prat in matchday 36. Goals from Lamine Yamal and Fermín López secured the victory, allowing fans to momentarily forget the club’s financial struggles.
The Catalan giants, who also won the Copa del Rey, achieved a national double that overshadowed the club’s economic challenges and reclaimed the LaLiga crown after Real Madrid’s title last season.
Barcelona’s Dominant Season
Under the guidance of German coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona overcame a slump following Lionel Messi’s departure nearly four years ago and serious financial issues hindering their ability to sign players freely. The team started the season strongly, quickly rising to the top of the league table.
In October 2024, Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the first of four clashes that season. However, poor performances in November, which Flick described as “garbage,” led to the team relinquishing the LaLiga lead to Atlético Madrid.
Before the Christmas break, Atlético dealt Barcelona a significant blow by defeating them 2-1 in Montjuïc with a last-minute goal. Additionally, the signings of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor created controversy with LaLiga president Javier Tebas and the CSD (Higher Sports Council).
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the setbacks, Barcelona’s loss to Real Madrid under coach Diego Simeone served as a catalyst for the team’s resurgence. They began 2025 with a victory in the Spanish Supercopa against Real Madrid, 5-2, and soon regained their LaLiga lead, which they never relinquished.
Barcelona completed a treble in one year, despite Real Madrid being the pre-season favorites due to their LaLiga and Champions League double from the previous season, along with the signing of French superstar Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain.
Balanced Mix of Experience and Youth
Barcelona’s LaLiga triumph under Flick differed from their 2022-2023 title won under Xavi Hernández, as they made few new signings.
Flick maximized the goal-scoring prowess of Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (25 league goals) and rejuvenated Brazilian winger Raphinha, who had expressed his desire to leave earlier in the season.
However, Flick’s greatest achievement was unlocking the potential of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is being hailed as the next global superstar and a key figure at the “Can Barça.”
This formidable attack is complemented by young talents, with Flick effectively utilizing Pedri throughout the campaign and deploying Pau Cubarsí in defense alongside imposing center-back Iñigo Martínez.
“This is not Lamine Yamal’s or Hansi Flick’s league; it’s Barcelona’s league. We all play an essential role, and the team is what matters most,” Flick emphasized in a press conference.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who won the LaLiga title in the 2024-2025 season? FC Barcelona won the title, securing their 28th LaLiga championship.
- What were the financial challenges faced by Barcelona during this season? Barcelona struggled with serious economic issues that limited their ability to sign new players freely.
- Who is Hansi Flick, and what was his role at Barcelona? Hansi Flick is a German coach who guided Barcelona to the LaLiga title, effectively utilizing the team’s talents and overcoming early-season struggles.
- What other titles did Barcelona win in the 2024-2025 season? Besides LaLiga, Barcelona also won the Copa del Rey and reached the Champions League semi-finals.
- Who are some key young players that contributed to Barcelona’s success? Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, and Lamine Yamal were instrumental in Barcelona’s triumphant season.
