Lionel Messi took to Instagram on Sunday to celebrate Barcelona's latest La Liga triumph, posting on his story: "Champions!! Visca el Barça!!" The Argentine great, who left the club in 2021, still follows the team's fortunes closely from his current club, Inter Miami.
Barcelona sealed their 29th Spanish league title with a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico at home. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the first half, with Ferran Torres adding the second to complete a statement win that effectively ended the title race. Manager Hansi Flick's side dominated the contest from start to finish.
The result left Barcelona 14 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with just three matches remaining, mathematically guaranteeing the trophy. It was only the second time in La Liga history that an El Clásico match directly decided the league title, underlining the significance of the victory. Barcelona had also won the league last season, and this back-to-back triumph marks their return to the summit of Spanish football.
The defeat handed Real Madrid a trophyless domestic campaign. The Madrid side arrived at the Nou Camp already weakened, with midfielder Federico Valverde unavailable due to a head injury he suffered in a training ground incident involving teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni. Despite fielding Tchouaméni, Madrid could not contain Barcelona's attacking force.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar after the match: "This title is more special for winning it at home against Madrid. Now we have to enjoy it with the fans. We have been the best team in Spain. Of course we also want to win the Champions League, that's the objective. Next year we will have another opportunity." Barcelona had exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals to Atlético Madrid in April, but their domestic dominance has provided some consolation.
Barcelona will play their remaining three league matches knowing the title is already secured, allowing Flick to manage player fitness ahead of next season's European campaign.
