It took a second half strike from Barcelona’s magician, Lionel Messi to break down a rugged Atletico Madrid side, who weren’t about to hand over their title without a battle.
As the second half ticked away, Real Madrid went one up against Espanyol, meaning Barça needed a goal to take the title this weekend and on 65 minutes, Alba worked the ball inside to Messi who played a one-two with Pedro and tucked it home with his left peg through a forest of legs. A brilliant goal fit for Champions!
Neymar and Pedro have chances to make it two.
Although Godín and Torres both threatened before Messi’s goal seemed to take the wind out of the hosts and Neymar should have wrapped it all up when he fired high after a counter from Messi and Rakitic with just the keeper to beat.
An equaliser from Espanyol against Real Madrid meant that for the moment, a draw would be enough, but Luis Enrique’s team refused to sit back – even though this did open them up to the occasional Atletico break.
Barça have also proved themselves to be lethal on the counter of course and Pedro came agonisingly close to making it two with a shot from outside the box after a mazy run from midfield
Explosion of celebrations at the final whistle
For the last ten minutes Mathieu came on for Alba to counteract Atletico’s aerial threat and Xavi replaced Iniesta as Atlético tired and Barça enjoyed long periods of possession, as the clock wound down – a long range effort from Siqueira was tipped over by Bravo, but nothing was going to stop Barça now and as the final whistle went, the players celebrated on the pitch with the home fans joining in the applause for the new La Liga champions!
Barcelona have now won the La Liga seven times in the last 11 years, since the 2004/2005 season, with Madrid winning thrice and Atletico once.
One down, two to go! Barcelona are also gunning to win the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League to make it a treble this season.
*Culled from www.fcbarcelona.com