Football news updatez

Barcelona have won 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.

Real Madrid, who are second in the table, beat Getafe 1-0 on Saturday and Atletico Madrid, in third, surprisingly lost 1-0 to Elche earlier on Sunday before Barcelona sealed the title with 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 a 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.