Players of Barcelona celebrate a goal during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
MADRID, May 13 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona secured this season's La Liga title in emphatic style with four games left this season, thanks to a 4-2 win away against local rivals Espanyol on Sunday night.
Robert Lewandowski put Barcelona ahead after just 10 minutes, and Alejandro Balde doubled the lead with a far-post volley nine minutes later before Lewandowski's second of the match made it 3-0 in the 40th minute.
Jules Kounde nodded in Barca's fourth eight minutes into the second half after getting on the end of a Frenkie de Jong cross. Javi Puado pulled a goal back for Espanyol in the 73rd minute, and Joselu netted a second in injury time, but it was too late for Espanyol.
The result leaves Xavi Hernandez's side with 84 points from 34 matches: a 14-point lead over second-place Real Madrid and 16 points more than Atletico Madrid in third. ■
Players of Barcelona celebrate the victory after the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
Robert Lewandowski (C) of Barcelona celebrates his goal during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
Raphinha (L, front) of Barcelona vies with Fernando Calero of Espanyol during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
Players of Barcelona celebrate a goal during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
Jules Kounde (L) of Barcelona celebrates his goal with teammate Robert Lewandowski during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
Robert Lewandowski (R) of Barcelona shoots during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
Players of Barcelona celebrate a goal during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
Pedri (2nd R, front) of Barcelona vies with Leandro Cabrera (3rd R, front) of Espanyol during the Spanish La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol in Cornella, Spain, May 14, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)
