In Matchday 36 of the 2024/25 La Liga season, Barcelona sealed the title in style with an emphatic away win over Espanyol, clinching their 28th league crown with two matches still to play. Under new head coach Hansi Flick, Barça have been nothing short of dominant this season, completing a domestic treble with triumphs in La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey.
Relentless Attack: Barça’s Offensive Firepower Reborn
Barcelona has dazzled fans all season with its attacking flair and ruthlessness. After 36 rounds, the Catalan giants have netted 97 league goals, the highest tally since the 2017/18 campaign, showcasing their efficiency and tactical cohesion.
Nowhere was this attacking dominance more evident than in El Clásico. Barça thrashed Real Madrid across both league meetings, scoring eight goals. Their 4-3 comeback win in the second clash was a season highlight. 16-year-old Lamine Yamal netted a crucial goal, becoming the youngest player in El Clásico history to score in consecutive matches. At the same time, Raphinha bagged a brace and cemented his reputation as a big-game performer.
Star Trio Lead the Charge: Lewandowski, Raphinha, Yamal Shine
Barcelona’s formidable front three have been central to their success. Robert Lewandowski scored 25 league goals, bringing his La Liga career total to 99, just one short of the century mark. Brazilian winger Raphinha chipped in with 18 goals and nine assists, proving his all-around impact. The teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered eight goals and fourteen assists in a breakout season that confirmed his status as a future superstar.
From a stats perspective, Barça’s dominance is clear: They average 18 shots per game, 6.7 of which are on target, with a pass completion rate of 87%. Flick’s debut season has seen him blend Barça’s traditional possession-based style with a more direct, German-influenced attacking system, a hallmark of his coaching identity.
Tempers Flare After the Final Whistle: Sprinklers Soak the Celebration
Despite the win, emotions boiled over late in the match. Midfielder Gavi was involved in a heated exchange with Espanyol’s Pere Milla that escalated into a physical confrontation, only diffused by teammates.
The tension didn’t end with the final whistle. While many Barça players, including Yamal, quickly made their way to the locker room to avoid further conflict, chaos unfolded on the pitch. Just as the Barcelona squad began celebrating their title on the grass, Espanyol’s grounds crew activated the pitch sprinklers, dousing the players and staff in a bizarre twist that evoked memories of Inter Milan’s 2010 Champions League celebration at Camp Nou, when they were infamously greeted by a similar “water curtain.”
Flick Takes Control, Keeps Order Amid Tension
According to Marca, midfielder Fermín let his emotions get the better of him, shouting obscenities toward the Espanyol supporters. In the heat of the moment, coach Hansi Flick took charge, urging his players to leave the pitch immediately and personally ushering them away to prevent any escalation.
“I know what happened here two years ago,” Flick told reporters post-match. “We just wanted to return to the dressing room and celebrate this title peacefully with our fans.” His calm leadership and assertive response were a testament to his authority and crisis management.
A Historic First Season: Flick Makes Immediate Impact
Flick is the first German coach to win La Liga with Barcelona. In his debut season, he swept all three domestic trophies and won all four El Clásico encounters, a feat not achieved since Pep Guardiola’s days.
More than just lifting silverware, Flick has restored belief and identity to a club that had struggled to find direction in recent years. With domestic dominance secured, Barcelona now set their sights on conquering Europe again. Under Flick’s guidance, the Camp Nou looks poised to become a fortress of glory once more.
