Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
SPANISH GIANTS
FC BARCELONA on Sunday clobbered a hapless Espanyol 4-2 at RCDE Stadium, to be crowned LaLiga Champions for the 27th time and a first without Lionel Messi since 1998.
Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde and defender Jules Kounde where enough for Barcelona to defeat local rivals to lift the LaLiga title without Argentine captain Lionel Messi who left the club two years ago to join Paris Saint Germain (PSG). Messi’s departure had been componded in financial woes.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta is however keen on bringing back the talisman, Messi who reported to be linked with a move to a Saudi Arabia team.
Lifting the league title was a befitting farewell for Captain Segio Busquets who announced leaving the Catalans at the end of the season after 15 years with the club.
Barca’s win saw them move to 14 points clear over arch rivals Real Madrid who are second.
Xavi Hernandez’ side will fully celebrate their triumph this coming Saturday in front of their home fans after they host Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou.
While Barcelona players where celebrating at RCDE Stadium, angry Espanyol fans stormed the pitch after the full time whistle, sending the players rushing into the locker room.
Before the LaLiga duel, the hosts Espanyol had lost 3:2 to Sevilla.
During the first 15 minutes of the game Barcelona dominated the game and ball possession, the visiting side’s stellar performance was rewarded by a Lewandowski’s close range goal in the 11th minute. It was one of the forward’s easiest goals following a serve from Balde.
Nine minutes later, defender Alejandro Balde tapped into the far left to double the lead. From that moment on, Espanyol were forced to double back and were forced to play in their half failing to get the ball for lengthy periods.
On the 41st minute, Barcelona were on counter attack and Lewandowski doubled his goal tally to two.
Barcelona went to the break leading 3:0.
Within minutes of the second half whistle, Jules Kounde headed in the fourth goal.
The home-side who are fighting to get off the relegation zone looked desperate to get back on the game. Their efforts paid off with consolation goals coming from Javi Puado and Joselu in the 73rd and 90+2 minutes respectively.
LaLiga has been a three horse race amongst Real Madrid who still leads the number of LaLiga titles with 35 ahead of Barcelona who are second with 27 and Atletico Madrid who follow on 3rd with 11 titles.