Barcelona: Barca Wins La Liga for the First Time Under Xavi

(Photo : Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) BARCELONA, SPAIN - (L-R) Rafinha, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Sergi Roberto and Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona celebrate winning the LaLiga Santander Title after victory in the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at RCDE Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.

FC Barcelona dominated local derby rivals RCD Espanyol, 4-2, to claim the 2022-23 La Liga trophy, their first league title since 2019.

A brace from Robert Lewandowski and goals from defenders Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde saw Barca build a four-goal lead in the second half.

Espanyol cut the deficit through Javier Puado and Joselu, but it was too much to overcome for the bottom-dwellers, who are currently 19th in the league and in danger of relegation.

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Barcelona Completes Bounce Back Year With First La Liga Title Since 2019

This year's La Liga title is Barcelona's first since new manager Xavi Hernandez was appointed in November 2021.

After years of struggle, the Catalan team returned to the top of Spanish football with help from youngsters Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie De Jong and the refined backline of Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde.

It was also Barca's first league title without club legend Lionel Messi since 1998/99, and its 27th overall.

A club legend, Xavi steered his team to the title in his first full season as manager with his defensive tactics, setting the club record for most clean sheets in a season with 25.

With four games left to play, they still have a chance to set the Spanish record, which stands at 26.

Meanwhile, a major disturbance occurred while Barcelona celebrated the title win in Espanyol's RCDE Stadium. Espanyol fans rushed into the pitch and tried to attack the players and staff, prompting Barcelona players to run back into the tunnel. No one was hurt in the commotion.

Barcelona continued their celebrations inside the locker room.

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