Lionel Messi's goal gave Barcelona their 23rd Spanish title as they beat Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Messi's 41st league goal of the season ensured that Real Madrid will finish second -
despite Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Espanyol.With one game left Barca hold a four-point lead ahead of rivals Real.
Luis Enrique's men, chasing a treble, face Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish cup on 30 May, before playing Juventus in the Champions League final on 6 June.
Atletico had gone close to opening the lead before Messi exchanged passes with Pedro and fired low into the corner.
The Barcelona players ran on to the Vicente Calderon pitch in celebration after reclaiming the crown which they lost to Atletico on the final day of last season exactly a year ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo took his league tally to 45 for the season with a hat-trick against Espanyol
They have scored 108 goals so far in the league, with a fixture at home to Deportivo La Coruna still to come.
Their front three of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have been prolific, netting 115 goals between them in all competitions.
Barca had a trophyless campaign last time round under Tata Martino, but former Barca and Real midfielder Enrique has turned the club's fortunes around by winning the title in his first season in charge.
Only in December, Enrique - who played for the club between 1996 and 2004 - was criticised by supporters following a 0-0 draw against Getafe, but two defeats in 22 since then has steered the club to the brink of the treble.
Carlo Ancelotti's Real side were hoping Barca would slip up in order to take the title race to the final day, but although Ronaldo took his tally to 45 goals in the league in a 4-1 victory over Espanyol, Messi's moment of magic was enough for Barca to win their fifth championship in seven years.
No comments:
Post a Comment