Football: Lewandowski brace inspires Barcelona to LaLiga title

Barcelona claimed a 27th LaLiga title and their first for four years on Sunday after two first-half goals from Robert Lewandowski spurred them to a comfortable 4-2 victory over city rivals Espanyol.

Barcelona have bagged 64 goals so far this campaign, owing much to LaLiga’s leading marksman Lewandowski. The Pole is on course to pick up the Pichichi in his debut season in Spain, having netted 21 times this season, four more than Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.

Lewandowski for Pichichi,Balde for Golden Boyyyyy!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/rSCqicuwMv

— JEY 🇦🇷🥇 (@MmoaNkoaaa) May 14, 2023

Barca moved to 85 points from 34 matches and extended their lead at the summit to an unassailable 14 points over second-placed Real Madrid.

There was little time for jubilation, however, as the visitors had to quickly rush off the pitch after full time as several Espanyol fans invaded the field as Barca started to celebrate their title.

They will have to wait until Saturday to lift the LaLiga trophy as they host fourth-placed Real Sociedad in front of their jubilant fans who will pack out their Camp Nou stadium.

It will no doubt be an emotional occasion for captain Sergio Busquets, who last week announced that he will be leaving Barca after 15 years at the end of the season.

It was Busquets’ ninth LaLiga title and 32nd overall with the club, with his trophy cabinet also including three Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Rey and three FIFA Club World Cups as well as his 2010 World Cup and 2012 European championship success with Spain.

“I’m delighted, I think we had a spectacular campaign and clinched it today with a great win,” Busquets told Movistar Plus.

“We are a solid team, a well oiled squad with an outstanding defence and that’s how champions are built,” he added.

Barca were the superior side against lowly Espanyol, who are second from bottom and fighting to avoid relegation, and opened the scoring early with a close-range strike by Lewandowski.

Alejandro Balde, who put it on a plate for Lewandowski’s opener, scored Barca’s second with a tap-in from a Pedri cross in the 20th minute.

The Polish marksman extended Barca’s lead five minutes before the break with another close-range finish from a Raphinha cross.

Defender Jules Kounde headed in Barca’s fourth in the 53rd minute, before Javi Puado and Joselu scored consolation goals for Espanyol.

Barcelona have won 27 of their 34 games this season, with their title charge built largely on their outstanding defence, which has conceded a measly 13 goals, by far the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues.

At home, their defensive numbers are even more impressive with only two goals conceded, one from a penalty and the other an own goal.