Barcelona’s title win even more impressive given off-field issues -Xavi
Barcelona clinched the LaLiga title with their defeat over Espanyol on Sunday after a four-year drought and a season riddled with financial issues.
Barcelona secured the LaLiga crown for the first time in four years with their 4-2 win over Espanyol on Sunday. Goals from Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde plus a Robert Lewandowski double left them 14 points clear in the Spanish league.
Barça wins LaLiga despite off-field issues
It’s been a tough few years for Barcelona, who have been dealing with issues off the field, including a $17 million fine from the Spanish tax authorities for “irregularities” in their payments to players. Now, they are facing a possible sanction for payments made to referee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
Despite all of that, they dominated all season long on the domestic side. They’ve been at the top of the table since matchday 13 and have conceded just 13 goals in 34 games, the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues.
“The problems off the field have not helped,” said Xavi, who won the league in his debut season with the team. “But despite that, we have been able to win the title, so that does make the achievement even bigger.”
Though it’s Barça’s first Spanish title since 2019, they have won it a total of 27 times, and this win was the second time they clinched it over city rivals Espanyol.
“We had to make sure we focused as a family, that the players concentrated on sport, on soccer, on training, and didn’t think about anything else,” said Xavi. “I think the players understood that and they are the pillars of this league title.”
As for next season, Barcelona will be without Sergio Busquets, who could end up at MLS when his contract expires, and Raphinha could potentially be sold as well, as Catalan giants look to find ways to save money. It’s also rumored that they could see Ansu Fati on his way out after this season too. There have been rumors that their former superstar Lionel Messi could make a return when his PSG contract expires, but it’s also highly probable they still can’t afford him, and they’ve got competition from MLS and Saudi Arabia. For now, they can celebrate a well-deserved win against odds.