Barcelona player ratings v Espanyol: Robert Lewandowski seals the deal as Xavi’s flying full-backs go wild and secure the La Liga title

The Blaugrana claimed their first league title since 2019 with a convincing victory over their local rivals in the Catalan derby

Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde revolted as Barcelona won the well-deserved league title. It was the Blaugrana at their best, with plenty of attacking options that worked seamlessly en route to a 4-2 victory over the local rivals.
Balde was the focus of Barcelona’s opener. The left-back fired on the wing before setting Lewandowski up for the Polish striker’s 20th league goal of the season. And after the first’s assist, Balde scores the second, keeping Pedri’s chip at the far post with a clean finish.

Lewandowski was there again for the third, this time converting a Raphinha cross to build an unassailable half-time lead. The second half was not as comfortable, despite Jules Kounde scoring a fourth for the visitors, and Espanyol enjoyed a period of sustained pressure as they conceded a pair of well-deserved late goals.
However, Barcelona ended up in La Liga for some time, relying on a string of close games and defensive performances to deliver results. Here, though, it was fluid, captivating, and beautifully simple for long stretches. And with a promising and constantly improving squad, this could be Xavi’s football of the future.
GOAL assesses Barcelona players from RCDE stadium…

Goalkeeper & defender

Marc-André ter Stegen (6/10):

At the end of the first half, he stormed out to parry former teammate Braithwaite. In the second, I made another great save. He will be frustrated for not keeping a blank slate.

Jules Koninge (6/10):

He got on the score sheet and nodded to Barça’s fourth with a flying header. He didn’t exactly impress when he moved into centre-back.

Ronald Araujo (7/10):

A quieter night than usual, but he did everything right, except for a few overheating steps. The wheels of defense fell off when he was replaced.

Andrew Christensen (7/10):

Solid until removed with what appeared to be injury with 15 minutes to go.

Alejandro Baldè (8/10):

He prepares the first, scores the second. He played high up and was a nightmare for Espanyol. Solid even when he switches to right-back. He saved his best performance of the season for the game that clinched the title.

midfield
Peter (7/10):

I soon lost a babysitter, compensated by assisting Barça’s second. He looked tired towards the end, but he’s been really nice to watch for a long time.

Sergio Busquets (7/10):

Immediately after the announcement that he will leave the club this week. He will mark the end of his Barça career in the best possible way. Frankie de Jong (8/10):

Well controlled, keeping things going in the middle. He selected Kounde for fourth place Barcelona with an incredible assist.

Gavi (7/10):

Pushed up, moves the ball. Definitely complete. Not always handsome, but he’s such an important part of this team.

Attack
Refine (6/10):

A mixed show. He got an assist, but he also made the wrong call once or twice. She will likely lose her seat when Dembele is fully fit.

Robert Lewandowski (8/10):

Open the score with a simple tap. A second goal came just before halftime. Of course he wanted third place and sometimes he tried to force things, but that’s what top scorers are allowed to do. Now has 21 La Liga goals.

Replacements & Coach… Jordi Alba (6/10):

30 minutes given and watched out of rhythm. Ousmane Dembele (6/10):

It may be bad luck not to start after three weeks of being perfectly fit. Some good moments but lacks a bit of sharpness in the final third.

Marcos Alonso (5/10):

Central defender covering Christensen, injured. I made a bad decision or two.

Ansu Fati (N/A):

Barely touched the ball.

Franck Kessie (N/A):

I didn’t have time to tell the difference.

Xavier (9/10):

Let’s go back to the favorite formation, which however didn’t give the start to the now fit Dembele. Nevertheless it worked. Barca scored two goals in 20 minutes and won 4-2. Even Koundé entered the list of scorers. There’s been a bit of a defensive sway, but who cares? League champions, job done, with even more promise for the future.

Also read…

BREAKING: Barcelona claim 27th La Liga title after victory over rivals Espanyol

Barcelona won La Liga for the 27th time after a comprehensive win against Catalan rivals Espanyol on Sunday.
The Blaugrana won 4–2, with Robert Lewandowski picking up a brace and Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde also in goal.
Javi Puado and Joselu found themselves just ahead of the hosts, but they couldn’t spoil the title celebration.
Barça went three seasons without winning the league in Spain, with their last win to date coming in the 2018/19 season.

But some smart signings over the summer, coupled with the emergence of some exceptionally talented youngsters, have seen Barca develop into a fine side under former captain Xavi Hernandez. With Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid both faltering despite their struggles in Europe, Barca were by far the best team in La Liga, losing just three times.
The win at RCDE Stadium gave them a 14-point lead at the top and ultimately sealed the title with four games remaining.

They have won 27 of their 34 matches and their success has been based on solid defensive fundamentals, with Barca conceding just 13 goals in La Liga.
Barça will not lift the trophy immediately after being crowned champions and will instead have their official ceremony on May 20 at a sold-out Camp Nou after their match against Real Sociedad.

After the club reclaimed the crown from Madrid, an open-top bus parade was also planned through the streets of Barcelona to celebrate the triumph. Legendary midfielder and captain Sergio Busquets will cap off his sensational Barca career by collecting the La Liga trophy after announcing he will be leaving his youth club at the end of the season.
But it has been reported that former defender Gerard Pique will once again be invited to attend the celebration.
The former Spain international has made a shocking announcement of his retirement after making six appearances in the 2022-23 season.
Featured image credit: Alamy