The title race reached its dramatic close at Espanyol, where Barcelona clinched the La Liga crown with a spirited performance that featured goals from Lewandowski (2), Balde, and Koundé. Puado and Joselu briefly troubled the scoresheet, but the result confirmed Barcelona as champions on the final day.
La Liga 2022-23 has crowned its champion, and while many expected FC Barcelona to lift the trophy, the on-pitch drama still mattered. The Catalan club sealed their 27th league title by defeating Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, with Robert Lewandowski netting twice, Alejandro Balde scoring once, and Jules Koundé adding another. In response, Javi Puado and Joselu managed to find the back of the net for Espanyol.
Fans could tune in to watch Espanyol versus Barcelona as the league concluded its season, with the match coming on the heels of Real Madrid’s win at the Bernabéu over Getafe. Barcelona needed a victory away from home to secure the alirón on their city rivals’ turf, and they delivered with a commanding display. The first half set the tone, ending 3-0 in favor of the visitors, and Koundé completed the scoring after the break. Puado and Joselu added late consolations for Espanyol.
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This article recaps the key moments from Espanyol’s home clash against the league leaders, reflecting on the performance dynamics that could influence Espanyol’s status in the top flight going forward.
Minute by minute of Espanyol vs. Barcelona
Press conferences and statements surrounding Barcelona’s title bid
When the whistle blows, players and coaches provide the immediate reflections on the outcome, shaping the narrative around this decisive match.
Videos, lineups and news from Espanyol vs. Barcelona
More videos and updates from the competition are expected to follow in the coming days.
90′ + 2′ Joselu pulls one back for Espanyol, with a clinical finish after a corner caused a breakdown in Barcelona’s defense. Ter Stegen was beaten, and the goal offered a glimmer of late hope for the home side.
73′ Puado reduces the deficit with a precise lob past a stranded Ter Stegen after a chipped ball found him in space. The finish showcased Puado’s calm in front of goal.
53′ Koundé extends Barcelona’s lead with a powerful header from a corner, rising above the defense to connect with a cross and direct the ball into the net. The assist from Frenkie de Jong helped seal Espanyol’s fate late in the match.
Half-time at Cornellá de Llobregat saw Barcelona ahead 3-0, a strong statement as the league crown calculations advanced. The clinical finishing from Lewandowski, Balde, and a late contribution from Koundé left Espanyol scrambling to adjust their defensive lines for the remainder of the game.
40′ Lewandowski doubles the advantage with a composed finish after a low cross from Raphinha, exploiting space on the far post to convert with authority.
Twenty’ Balde strikes again, pushing the margin further as Espanyol’s defense contends with the pace and precision of Barcelona’s attack.
Eleven’ Lewandowski opens the scoring after a burst of pace from Balde, who drifts into space and feeds a ball across the box. Lewandowski meets it first time to beat the goalkeeper and ignite Barcelona’s early momentum.
The tactical setup for Barcelona showed intent to grind out results on the road and seal the title with a strong defensive structure complemented by rapid transitions and clinical finishing.
Espanyol lined up in a setup designed to clash with Barcelona’s high-press and fluid movement, attempting to disrupt the Catalans’ rhythm and create a platform for a late fightback as the match wore on.
Summary of Espanyol vs. Barcelona
The match concluded with Barcelona’s dominance recognized in a public display of finishing efficiency. The triumph underlined Barcelona’s return to the summit and cemented their status as the league’s preeminent force following the turn of the season. Lewandowski’s brace, Balde’s early influence, and Koundé’s late addition defined a performance that translated into a definitive title claim.
All figures and statistics
Source: Goal