SPAIN: Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions on Saturday, but were defeated 2-1 by Real Sociedad. To maintain their position in fourth place and maintain a five-point lead over fifth-place Villarreal in the race for Champions League qualifying, the visitors scored goals from Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth.
Gerard Moreno’s injury-time goal helped Villarreal clinch a 2-1 victory at Girona, while Barcelona won the title with a 4-2 victory against Espanyol. Robert Lewandowski scored late in the game, and Barcelona won their 27th league championship after falling short.
The Espanyol fans’ pitch invasion in Cornella ruined Barcelona’s celebrations, but they made up for it by winning their 27th league championship.
Xavi expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff, players, and followers for their hard work and dedication. He also thanked the people who attended the bus parade and packed the stadiums, which gave him goosebumps.
La Real, led by Imanol Alguacil, won their first La Liga victory at Camp Nou since 1991. Merino said the victory was historic for the club, as it was the last time he was even close to being born. They needed to win because they were closing in on them from behind, and they played well today.
Xavi selected a strong Barcelona lineup, but they were unable to recover after falling behind early. Jules Kounde mishandled the ball, allowing Sorloth to feed Merino, who then blasted the ball past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Ter Stegen has 25 clean sheets this season, but Barcelona must play carelessly in their remaining three games to tie the league record of 26. He needs one more clean sheet to tie the record, but it won’t be easy if Barcelona plays carelessly.
La Real increased their lead by two goals when Martin Zubimendi tackled Frenkie de Jong, and Sorloth was set up by Takefusa Kubo.
Ter Stegen has now given up 15 La Liga goals, three fewer than the record-low total of 18. Sergio Busquets, Barcelona’s captain, received a standing ovation when he was replaced.
Real Sociedad won La Liga with Lewandowski’s 22nd goal, but Jordi Alba said it was a day to relax and have fun with friends and family. Barcelona players danced after Busquets received the trophy, and Xavi was thrown into the air in excitement.
Busquets thanked fans and staff for their support, and Real Sociedad’s victory was crucial after Villarreal put pressure on them. Yeremy Pino scored the game’s first goal, but Villarreal was able to respond through David Lopez.
Jackson assisted Moreno’s late goal in Almeria’s 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca. Almeria moved up to 13th place, four points above the danger zone, while Getafe was held to a 1-1 tie by Elche, tying them on points with Real Valladolid.
Due to their recent seven-game losing streak and Athletic Bilbao’s victory over Celta Vigo, the Galicians are now in 14th place, level in points with Almeria, and are still far from being assured of their safety.
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