Published: 12:39 PM, 12 May 2026
Barca claim La Liga title with Clasico win over Real Madrid
Barcelona secured their 29th Spanish league title after beating Real Madrid 2-0 in the Clasico on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres struck in the first half to help Hansi Flick's side clinch La Liga in consecutive years, while consigning Madrid to a trophyless season.
Barca moved an unassailable 14 points clear of second-place Los Blancos with three matches remaining.
This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barca.
Flick's team were disappointed to be knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid in April, but were still determined to celebrate in style.
"This title is more special for winning it at home against Madrid, now we have to enjoy it with the fans," Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar.
"We have been the best team in Spain -- of course we (also) want to win the Champions League, that's the objective. "Next year we will have another opportunity."
Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder FedeValverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training ground scuffle with team-mate AurelienTchouameni, who started.
Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side's comfortable triumph.
"It has been a tough day. It started in the morning and I really, I'll never forget this day," Flick told fans on the pitch.
"I'm really proud about that we have such a team. I want to say thank you to everyone, thank you for everything, thanks for really fighting.
I really appreciate that a lot."
The German coach opted for the energetic Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, on the right wing in place of injured teenage star LamineYamal.
The Catalans, who only needed to avoid defeat, came out with their eyes firmly locked on the prize, racing into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes.
Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, whipping the ball into the top left corner from a position 20 yards out, right of centre.
Torres doubled the hosts' advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, the 62,000-strong crowd enjoying the first Clasico back there since the stadium was reopened.
DaniOlmo produced a clever backheel to allow Torres to burst into the box and ram past ThibautCourtois.
Gonzalo Garcia, playing in place of injured Madrid superstar KylianMbappe, prodded narrowly wide after racing in behind Barca's high defensive line.
Rashford could have added a third before the break but fired wide, with Fermin Lopez unmarked and well placed to finish.
Torres should have struck early in the second half but Courtois saved from the Spain international as he ran through.
>>AFP
