It was meant to be a night of celebration, and in many ways, it was.
But Barcelona’s latest LaLiga title win wasn’t without its drama—on and off the pitch.
On Thursday night, Hansi Flick’s side secured their 29th league title with a 2-0 win over city rivals Espanyol, capping off what has been a spectacular season.
They only needed three points from their last three matches to seal the deal after their thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico just days before.
And although the game didn’t start with fireworks, it ended with both triumph and tension.
Lamine Yamal Lights It Up
After a goalless and cagey first half, it was 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal who broke the deadlock in style.
Collecting the ball near the right touchline, he danced past his marker and curled a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner.
It was a goal worthy of a title decider, and the teenager’s brilliance once again proved decisive.
Espanyol tried to claw their way back into the game, putting pressure on Barcelona.
But their momentum took a major hit when Leandro Cabrera was sent off.
Following a VAR check, he was judged to have elbowed Yamal off the ball, reducing the home side to 10 men.
Late Drama and a Final Flourish
As Espanyol pushed forward, Wojciech Szczesny had to make a couple of sharp saves to keep the lead intact. But in stoppage time, Barcelona put the game to bed.
Yamal turned provider, setting up Fermin Lopez to score the second goal and officially seal the title with flair.
Celebrations erupted among the Barcelona players as the final whistle blew.
But things quickly turned sour.
Celebrations Turn Heated
The mood shifted sharply after the match as tempers flared between players from both sides.
Espanyol players were visibly upset, and ugly altercations broke out.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who had warned his team beforehand to celebrate with humility, was visibly furious.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or think about celebrations before the game,” Flick had said earlier.
“You fight for the points first, then act with respect.”
And when his players didn’t follow suit, he was seen physically pushing some of them toward the tunnel to avoid further escalation.
As tensions escalated, Espanyol’s stadium staff even turned on the sprinklers—literally raining on Barcelona’s parade in an effort to break up the celebrations.
A Haunting Reminder of the Past
This wasn’t the first time things have turned hostile after a Barcelona title win at Espanyol’s ground.
Two years ago, after another title victory at the same venue, Barça players were chased into the tunnel by furious home fans.
Flick was well aware of that incident and had urged caution—warnings that weren’t entirely heeded.
Shocking Incident Before Kickoff
The night was already marred by tragedy before the players even took the field.
Just outside the RCDE Stadium, a car drove into a large group of supporters who had gathered ahead of the game.
Videos circulating online captured the horrifying moment as the vehicle ploughed through the crowd.
Spanish reports say 15 people were injured, though fortunately, none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.
Authorities believe the female driver lost control of the vehicle, and she has since been arrested.
Ambulances rushed to the scene, and the chaos added an unsettling backdrop to what should’ve been a purely festive night.
Flick’s Barcelona Is Just Getting Started
While the performance on Thursday may not have been their sharpest, it shouldn’t overshadow what’s been a remarkable season for Barcelona under new boss Hansi Flick.
Taking over from Xavi after a rocky year, Flick has transformed the squad into a dynamic, attack-minded force filled with homegrown stars.
Lamine Yamal, with 8 goals and 13 assists, has emerged as a breakout talent.
But the supporting cast—Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez—have all been crucial.
Meanwhile, veterans like Robert Lewandowski (25 goals) and Raphinha (18 goals, 9 assists) have delivered when it mattered most.
Off the pitch, Flick has navigated transfer issues and registration hurdles, including challenges with new signing Dani Olmo.
And on the European stage, he guided the team all the way to the Champions League semi-finals.
A Statement Season for the Catalans
Barcelona’s dominance wasn’t just about the silverware—it was about how they got there.
They completed a league double over Real Madrid with a combined score of 8-3 and haven’t lost a LaLiga game since December 21, when they were beaten by Atletico Madrid.
With this title win, Barcelona are not just back on top—they’ve made it clear they plan to stay there.