Barcelona drew 1-1 draw at Levante on Wednesday to seal their third consecutive La Liga title and the 21st in the club’s history. The Catalans have 92 points with two matches left, six ahead of second-placed Real Madrid who beat Getafe 4-0 on Tuesday, and Pep Guardiola’s side hold the advantage in games between the two sides.
Seydou Keita headed the visitors in front after 28 minutes but a mix-up between defender Gerard Pique and keeper Victor Valdes led to Felipe Caicedo equalising just before halftime.
A far from comfortable Barca held on for a point and can now focus on the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on May 28.
Winning the title at the Ciutat de Valencia was particularly significant as it was where former coach Frank Rijkaard landed his first crown with Barca in 2005.
A 1-1 draw at Levante ended six trophyless years for the club that season and set in motion a cycle of success which Guardiola built on when he replaced the Dutchman in 2008.
Barcelona have now won five of the last seven Spanish championships. The 40-year-old Guardiola, in his first top-flight coaching role, has picked up nine trophies in three years including three league titles, one European Cup and one King’s Cup.
Busquets racism
UEFA have opened a disciplinary probe over alleged racist abuse by Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets towards a Real Madrid player in their ill-tempered Champions League semi-final last month.
“UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against FC Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets who is alleged to have violated the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by directing racist abuse towards a Real Madrid player,” European football’s governing body. “The proceedings have been launched on the basis of evidence provided by Real Madrid (video and statement of club and player)."
Busquets racism
UEFA have opened a disciplinary probe over alleged racist abuse by Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets towards a Real Madrid player in their ill-tempered Champions League semi-final last month.
“UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against FC Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets who is alleged to have violated the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by directing racist abuse towards a Real Madrid player,” European football’s governing body. “The proceedings have been launched on the basis of evidence provided by Real Madrid (video and statement of club and player)."
Relegation battle
There was also high drama at the bottom of the standings, where 19th-placed Hercules (34 points) let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home Real Mallorca and were relegated.
Real Zaragoza occupy the last relegation slot in 18th with 39 points, one behind Getafe.