Barcelona wins La Liga after four-year drought

Barcelona have won the Spanish La Liga for the first time since 2019.

Their 4-2 victory over city rivals Espanyol secured Xavi the trophy in his first full season as manager of the club he won eight league titles with as a player, per The Athletic.

Real Madrid, who are second in the table, beat Getafe 1-0 on May 13 and Atletico Madrid, in third, surprisingly lost 1-0 to Elche earlier on May 14 before Barcelona sealed the title with a victory over Espanyol.

Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, and Jules Kounde wrapped up the title.

It has been a mixed season for Barcelona — they were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and then crashed out of the Europa League against Manchester United — but they have sealed their first league title in four years.

This is the Catalan club’s 27th La Liga title, which leaves them eight behind rivals — Real who have won La Liga 35 times. Atletico are third on the list, having been named champions 11 times.

Despite their on-field success domestically this season, Barcelona are dealing with financial difficulties. The club have had to pull several economic levers to remain above water in recent years and are still dealing with a hefty wage bill.

Barca confirmed earlier this month that director of football Mateu Alemany would leave on June 30 to pursue a new “professional project” with The Athletic reporting Aston Villa are finalising a deal for him to join them in a senior football position.

As well as Alemany’s departure, Xavi has admitted the club faces a significant restructure off the pitch with sporting director Jordi Cruyff’s future uncertain.

Cruyff and Alemany have helped navigate a challenging financial period at Camp Nou, but the Dutchman’s contract runs out in the summer and he is now considering his position.

On the pitch, Sergio Busquets last week confirmed he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.