When was the last time Barcelona won the LaLiga title?

It has been a long time since Barcelona have enjoyed this feeling of being just one step away from winning the LaLiga title. The last time they were on the verge of lifting the title was more than four years ago, on 27 April 2019, when they faced Levante at Camp Nou. With the need for three points to be crowned champions, a solitary goal from Lionel Messi, who came on in the second half, handed the title to the Blaugrana.

Espanyol in trouble

1478 days later, Barcelona have the chance to collect another trophy. This time it will not be at home, however, but away at one of their fiercest rivals, Espanyol. Defeat for Luis García’s team could see them begin to prepare for life in the Segunda División.

A draw would still not guarantee Barcelona the title after Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Getafe leaves them eleven points behind Barcelona with twelve to play for, so if the Blaugrana were to gain one more point, the gap would remain at twelve, but with the goal difference in favour of Madrid.

If Atlético were to beat Elche, the gap between Xavi’s side and Diego Simeone’s men would be eleven points, but with the goal difference in Barcelona’s favour. In either case, they will only be one point away from clinching the title if they draw the derby.

Xavi’s XI vs Espanyol

Xavi will field his first-choice eleven on Sunday. Ter Stegen will start in goal, with Koundé, Araújo, Christensen and Balde making up the back four. In midfield, Busquets will be the pivot, accompanied by De Jong and Pedri, while Dembélé will play on the right, with Lewandowski and Gavi completing the front line.