Barcelona have won LaLiga for a 28th time after beating Espanyol 2-0 on Thursday night.
The Catalan giants needed just three points from their final three games to regain the Spanish top-flight title after they beat Real Madrid 4-3 in an enthralling El Clasico on Sunday.
Hansi Flick’s side faced a trip to city rivals Espanyol, who are languishing in 16th place, and after a goalless first half, a moment of magic from Lamine Yamal put the visitors ahead on 53 minutes.
After receiving the ball on the right touchline, the 17-year-old cut inside before curling a sublime left-footed effort into the top corner.
Espanyol kept fighting and put Barcelona under pressure, but their hopes were hampered when Leandro Cabrera was dismissed following a VAR review after he was found to have elbowed Yamal off the ball.
Wojciech Szczesny was forced into a couple of late saves, yet the Catalans ultimately held firm before Fermin Lopez added the gloss on the victory with a second goal in injury time after he was set up by Yamal.
Barcelona have won LaLiga for a 28th time after beating Espanyol 2-0 on Thursday night
Lamine Yamal scored a stunner to open the scoring before Fermin Lopez netted a late second
However, nasty scenes occurred at full-time when Barcelona attempted to celebrate their glory
The victory, at the home of their rivals, ensured they would be taking the title back off Real Madrid after a brilliant season.
Barcelona’s players began to celebrate at full-time, but they were involved in some nasty altercations with their Espanyol counterparts who didn’t appear to be too happy.
Flick attempted to defuse the situation and was furious with his players having spoken ahead of the match about the need to show respect if his side did win the title.
‘I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or think about celebrations before the game,’ he had said. ‘You have to focus on the game. I saw what happened two years ago on television.
‘Whatever needs to be done, always with respect. You have to fight for the three points, and then we’ll do what’s right.’
The German was even seen shoving some of his stars towards the tunnel in an attempt to get them off the pitch, while the sprinklers were turned on by the hosts and left Barcelona players soaked in another move to dampen the celebrations.
Flick’s words came after ugly scenes occurred two years ago when Barcelona last won the title – also at Espanyol’s stadium – and their players were chased into the tunnel by home supporters.
In fact, speaking on Thursday evening, Flick opened up on his reaction as he said: ‘I know what the situation is with respect to what happened two years ago and I wanted to celebrate it inside.’
Flick appeared to be furious with his players and was seen shoving some of them off the pitch
The German had urged his players to show respect if they did win the title ahead of the game
The sprinklers were then turned on by the hosts in an attempt to dampen the celebrations
However, the build-up to the game had been marred when a car ploughed into a huge crowd of fans.
Shocking footage showed the moment a driver mowed into supporters who had gathered near the RCDE Stadium before the match.
Reports in Spain claimed a total of 15 people have sustained injuries in the terrifying incident, which is being investigated.
Local media reported the Catalan police believe it was not a deliberate attack and are instead working on the theory that the driver, reportedly a female, lost control. She has been arrested, according to Marca.
The injuries are not thought to be serious. A total of seven ambulances attended to those who had been struck by the white car and some of those affected were rushed to hospital.
Videos of the the horrifying incident also showed fans trapped, while others were spotted in tears and with bloodied faces.
Footage showed a white car facing the crowds as fans pelted the vehicle with drinks.
It then appeared to charge into the supporters, sparking chaotic scenes and fuelling panic and terror among the hundreds who gathered in the area. Armed police rushed towards the car after it had ploughed through the crowd.
Espanyol fans had been waiting for the team’s bus to arrive at the stadium and a PA announcement during the match did reveal the accident was under control and the injuries were not thought to be serious, Marca reported.
Horrifying footage captured the moment a car ploughed into fans outside the stadium
The white car mowed into Espanyol supporters as they gathered to wait for their team bus
The terrifying incident sparked panic and terror among those who had gathered in the area
Meanwhile, Barcelona weren’t at their best on Thursday, but it should take nothing away from what has been a fantastic campaign.
After replacing Xavi last summer following a difficult year on and off the pitch, Flick has built a hugely exciting and free-flowing side that is littered with talented academy graduates.
Yamal – who has eight goals and 13 assists – has taken many of the headlines, but homegrown stars such as Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Pedri and Lopez have also played integral roles.
Elsewhere, Robert Lewandowski has netted 25 goals and Raphinha has scored 18 and assisted nine more.
Flick has also had to deal with problems off the field, including repeated struggles to register the likes of key summer signing Dani Olmo, yet he also managed to lead Barcelona to the Champions League semi-final.
The Catalan giants have picked up several statement results across the LaLiga campaign, including two victories over Real Madrid via a combined 8-3 scoreline – and their last defeat came 18 games ago to Atletico Madrid on December 21.