adminLionel Messi’s goal gave Barcelona their 23rd Spanish title as they beat Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Messi’s 41st league goal of the season ensured that Real Madrid will finish second — despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Espanyol.
With one game left Barca hold a four-point lead ahead of rivals Real.
Luis Enrique’s men, chasing a treble, face Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish cup on May 30, before playing Juventus in the Champions League final on June 6.
Atletico had gone close to opening the lead before Messi exchanged passes with Pedro and fired low into the corner.
The Barcelona players ran on to the Vicente Calderon pitch in celebration after reclaiming the crown which they lost to Atletico on the final day of last season.
And they could repeat the feat of 2008-09, when they won a historical treble under Pep Guardiola.
They have scored 108 goals so far in the league, with a fixture at home to Deportivo La Coruna still to come.
The front three of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have been prolific, netting 115 goals between them in all competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real side were hoping Barca would slip up in order to take the title race to the final day, but although Ronaldo took his tally to 45 goals in the league in a 4-1 victory over Espanyol, Messi’s moment of magic was enough for Barca to take the title — BBC Sport
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter