Football: Barcelona a point away from title

MADRID: Barcelona can wrap up a third successive Spanish league title with a point at Levante tomorrow and then concentrate on their blockbuster Champions League final against Manchester United.

Barcelona defeated derby rivals Espanyol 2-0 to take a giant step towards the championship and with a better head-to-head record over closest rivals Real Madrid, a draw with Levante will be enough. “We knew we couldn’t fail and now we only need a point to secure the title,” said Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Barcelona would become the first side to win three consecutive league crowns since 1993 and coach Pep Guardiola will be keen to wrap up the title to rest his weary stars ahead of the final against United on May 28.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2011.