Barcelona clinched its 29th Spanish league title with three games remaining after a 2-0 win over rival Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday. Hansi Flick's side secured the domestic crown despite lacking the overpowering attacking verve of the 2024-2025 title run.
Yamal's Historic Rise
The 18-year-old Lamine Yamal donned the No. 10 jersey once worn by Lionel Messi and is set to star for Spain at the upcoming World Cup. He leads Barcelona in both goals and assists for the first time.
Yamal leads Barcelona in scoring — jointly with Ferran Torres on 16 goals — and a competition-leading 11 assists in La Liga. He also leads the league in dribbles with 133 despite missing some games with injury.
Beyond the numbers, his creativity with the ball and fancy footwork provided a contagious competitive attitude that never faded.
Midfield Dominance
Barcelona again had the top midfield and used it to crush the competition. The side was leading the 20-team division both in scoring and defense with 91 goals scored and 31 conceded.
Fermín López was targeted by Chelsea in last summer's transfer window, but the 22-year-old stayed put and emerged as a key player for Flick. Fermín scored 13 goals and made nine assists.
Flick also found ways to endure a spate of muscle injuries that sidelined Yamal, Raphinha, Jules Koundé, Frenkie de Jong and other key players for several weeks at a time.
Goalkeeper Addition
The arrival of goalkeeper Joan García shored up the goal, while the club overall got a boost by returning to partially refurbished Camp Nou after two years playing at a smaller stadium.
Collective Attack Effort
With Flick often using Robert Lewandowski as a substitute, the attack became a more collective effort.
Striker Ferran Torres used his greater mobility to link up well with Yamal and has scored 16 league goals — three more than Lewandowski. Marcus Rashford has contributed with eight goals and several assists as he adapts to Barcelona while on loan from Manchester United.
The club is reportedly looking to sign a striker this summer, putting the immediate future of both Lewandowski and Rashford in doubt.