Barcelona are on the brink of being crowned La Liga champions, and while the title isn’t mathematically secured yet, the Spanish press and football world are already celebrating their near-certain triumph. With three games left and a seven-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid, the Catalans’ resurgence this season is impossible to ignore.
Front pages across Spain were jubilant:
- SPORT (Barcelona): “Madrid… Saluda Al Campeón (Madrid… Say hello to the Champions)”
- Mundo Deportivo: “¡A lo Campeón! (Like champions)”
- AS (Madrid): “Barça abraza la liga (Barcelona hug La Liga)”
- Marca: “Barça ‘gana’ la 28 (Barcelona win their 28th)”
The Road to the Top
Since December—when Real Madrid led the league by two points—Barcelona have put together an incredible 16-match unbeaten run, including five consecutive victories. They’ve amassed 44 points from a possible 48, while Madrid, despite Kylian Mbappe’s heroics, managed just 35 in the same period.
Sunday’s Statement Win
The latest and most emphatic step toward the title came in a 4-3 win over Real Madrid, in which:
- Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick, reaching 39 goals this season and breaking Ivan Zamorano’s record for most goals in a debut Real Madrid campaign.
- Barcelona’s goals came from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, with the latter two capping a thrilling comeback.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid on the verge of a trophyless season, made worse by the fact that Barcelona have already beaten them in both the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup finals, sealing a probable domestic treble.
A Season of Comebacks and Character
Barcelona’s attacking flair and resolve have been their hallmarks this season, regularly coming from behind to win:
- 0-2 to 4-2 vs Atletico
- 1-3 to 4-3 vs Celta Vigo
- 0-1 to 2-1 vs Valladolid
- 1-2 to 3-2 (ET) in the Copa del Rey final
- Multiple comebacks in the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Inter
Though manager Hansi Flick has voiced concern over defensive lapses, the attacking transformation has been undeniable, driven by Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Lewandowski.
Last season, Barcelona struggled against Real Madrid. This season, they’ve flipped the script with four straight wins in El Clasico: 4-0, 4-3, 5-0, and 3-2.
Real Madrid: A Season of Regret
Injuries played a part in Madrid’s collapse—Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, and Mendy all missed Sunday’s clash. But their defensive depth was brutally exposed again. Makeshift full-back Lucas Vazquez was left trailing as Raphinha danced through to seal the game.
What’s Next?
For Barcelona, the title is now a formality. For Real Madrid, it’s time for reflection, rebuilding, and preparing for a summer that could shape their next era. The writing is on the wall—La Liga belongs to Barcelona once again.
