Barcelona triumphed in the Spanish league for the third successive season with a 1-1 draw at Levante clinching a 21st domestic championship with two games to spare.
Barcelona needed just a point to retain the title and they duly obliged to become the first side to win three consecutive league championships since 1993 when Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ won the third of their four straight league crowns.
Mali midfielder Seydo Keita headed in a 27th minute opener for Barcelona only for Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo to equalise on 40 minutes, but it did not matter as a draw gave the Catalan side the title.
Midfielder Xavi was understandably delighted at the result and was ready for the celebrations.
“It’s always a nice feeling to win the title and the fans really deserve this,” said Xavi.”I imagine we’re going to celebrate this win with them in the streets of Barcelona.”
Barcelona stand six points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and they lift the title courtesy of their superior head-to-head record over their rivals. Coach Pep Guardiola enjoys the distinction of winning the league title in each of his three seasons in charge and can now concentrate on going for the double with the Champions League final against Manchester United.
Guardiola relieved
The coach has had to overcome harsh criticism this season, having to deal with the constant claims that his side are at the end of a cycle and that they are being backed by referees, Spanish Football Association and Uefa. He even had to face accusations in some circles that doping was possibly assisting their success. A visibly relieved Guardiola was overjoyed to finally put an end to all the criticism.
“Winning the title is always difficult and this one was tough just like the others,” admitted Guardiola. “Now we can enjoy this win. There’s going to be eating, dancing, laughing and singing... a lot of singing.”
Messi hails league triumph
Although Keita’s 27th minute header sealed the title for Barcelona, World Player of the Year Lionel Messi played a crucial role in the champions’ ultimate triumph scoring 31 league goals, ending up as his team’s leading goal-scorer.
“I’m delighted because it has been a very difficult title to win,” he said. “We’ve
had to work very hard to be champions and more so against a great rival like Real Madrid. Now we have to enjoy it.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2011.
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