With the latest win against Levante after Messi’s goal Barcelona has been officially crowned as La Liga champion. During the season no team could compete with Catalans, who gained a safe advantage, also by winning both matches versus Real Madrid and receiving four points in clashes against probable vice-champion, Atletico.
Atletico under Simeone became one of the best clubs in the world, which also plays in their characteristic defensive style, but it wasn’t enough to stop a club like Barcelona. On the other hand ‘Los Blancos’ after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure went through terrible pass this season, even though Karim Benzema took responsibility for scoring goals. Real lost against lower-listed clubs, like against Rayo in the last gameweek and in one of the worst seasons in years they haven’t competed for a title at all.
It has to be mentioned though, that Barcelona doesn’t even their best season either. The difference has been made by Leo Messi, who is undoubtedly the first choice for Golden Ball this year, at least so far. 34 goals and 13 assists in only 32 matches made a gigantic impact on team’s result, which often struggled with scoring. ‘Blaugrana’ needed their hero one more time on Saturday, when Messi had to come off the bench to settle result. In almost every match he contributed with a goal or assist, that gave his team three points.
Barça became a dominant side in Spain after winning their tenth title in 21st century, which is five more than the second contender, Real Madrid. It’s also their second title in a row and sixth in this decade. When Real Madrid dominated Champions League, winning 7 times only after 1992, when the current form of tournament has been announced, Barcelona reduced a distance to ‘Los Blancos’, when it comes to number of championship titles. In total Messi’s team won 26, Real – 33.
[photo: FC Barcelona Facebook]
