Barcelona sealed their first La Liga title since 2018-19 with four games to spare after a stylish win at the home of city rivals Espanyol.
Barca were 3-0 up by half-time, Robert Lewandowski scoring his 20th league goal of the season before Alejandro Balde, 19, doubled the lead.
Lewandowski added the third before Jules Kounde’s header made it 4-0.
Espanyol did reduce the deficit through Javier Puado and Joselu but remain in trouble near the bottom of the table.
Barcelona have 85 points, 14 more than nearest rivals Real Madrid, with 12 points left to play for.
It is their first La Liga title since club legend Lionel Messi left in August 2021 and first since Xavi was appointed manager in November 2021.
Meanwhile, Espanyol are in danger of a second relegation in four seasons from La Liga after a ninth league defeat in 11 games.
They are four points from safety with four matches left.
- Manchester City set retaining Premier League title
Manchester City are one victory away from retaining the Premier League title after despatching relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park.
Pep Guardiola’s side can guarantee their third consecutive title with three points at home to Chelsea next Sunday, with games remaining against Brighton and Brentford as back-up.
City moved four points clear at the head of the table and are on the cusp of more top-flight glory after challengers Arsenal were beaten 3-0 by Brighton.
Everton were made to pay a heavy price for Mason Holgate’s glaring miss when unmarked at the far post, the defender somehow hooking over from a couple of yards.
City were second best up until that point but showcased how clinical they are in front of goal, going on to net twice in the space of two minutes.
Ilkay Gundogan was the star of the show, involved in all three of City’s goals with a sublime flicked finish before providing the cross for Erling Haaland’s close range header.
The midfielder also curled in a glorious free-kick from the edge of the area in the second half as City claimed a routine victory.
The loss for Everton leaves them looking nervously over their shoulders with two games remaining, hovering just one point above the relegation zone. (BBC)
