Goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres sealed a comprehensive Barcelona win over their threatless Clasico rivals as they secured their 29th La Liga title at Camp Nou with three games left.
It was the first time since the 1931/32 season, when Real Madrid secured their first-ever league title following a 2-2 draw against Barcelona on the final day of the season, that the league title has been decided in an El Clasico match.
Hansi Flick’s decision to lead Barcelona into the Clasico on Sunday evening, despite the passing of his father in the early hours of the day, was backed by a thrilling Barcelona display as he delivered a second league title in as many seasons.
The Blaugrana headed into the game knowing any result but a defeat would be enough to confirm their status as league winners; they didn’t take too long to get going, despite missing Lamine Yamal and leaving Raphinha on the bench.
After falling off in the race for the title in recent weeks, Real Madrid had a difficult week in the buildup to the Clasico, with players clashing with the coach and reported feuds among players turning physical.
It was one of the reasons Federico Valverde missed the match, having reportedly landed in the hospital following a clash with Aurélien Tchouameni during the week, while Kylian Mbappé, who is wanted out by the fans, missed out due to injury.
How Barcelona Tamed Real Madrid to Win La Liga
It was always going to be a long night for Real Madrid, but they didn’t do themselves any real favours by falling behind very early, with Marcus Rashford producing a sensational goal from a direct free-kick eight minutes in.
It looked like the visitors lost all belief after that ball went past the returning Thibaut Courtois, who was beaten less than ten minutes later as Ferran Torres added to his fourth Clasico goals to move level with Lamine Yamal as Barcelona’s joint top scorer in the league this season.
Real Madrid fashioned a couple of good chances of their own, but the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Gonzalo Garcia could not apply clinical finishes, while Jude Bellingham saw a second-half goal ruled out for offside.
It finished 2-0 to Barcelona, who move 14 points clear of their rivals, win another league title with three games left, and are now just one home win away from winning 100 percent of their league games this season.
Deserved La Liga Winners
Barcelona have dominated every significant aspect of the La Liga season. They boast the best attack with at least 21 goals more than any other team at this stage, while their 2-0 Clasico win also makes them the team with the best defence with 31 goals conceded, two fewer than Real Madrid.
The Catalan giants also lead the way on clean sheets with 15, at least two more than their closest rivals, Atlético Madrid, although their expected goals conceded ranks fourth best, behind Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Getafe.
Barcelona lead the way on chances created and have also created 23 more big chances than their closest rivals, Real Madrid. They are also the most disciplined team with two sending-offs (second fewest) and 54 yellow cards (fewest).
Now on 91 points, winning their final three games will ensure Barcelona ties their historic 100 points recorded in the 2012-13 season, which will be the goal for the remainder of the season.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
