BARCELONA players were CHASED off the pitch by angry Espanyol fans while celebrating the LaLiga title in the home of their local rivals.
The Catalans cruised to a 4-2 win at the home of their neighbours on Sunday to seal their first domestic crown in four years.
On the final whistle, Barca stars and boss Xavi gathered in the centre circle to hold hands in a ‘ring o’ roses’ style celebration.
But the occasion was marred by fans of relegation-threatened Espanyol, who avoided security to sprint on an disrupt the festivities.
They headed straight towards the Barcelona players, with some seen throwing chairs and bottles.
Terrified Barca players instantly legged it towards to tunnel to escape the angry mob.
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One member of backroom staff was seen falling to the ground during the rush.
After Barcelona’s star’s had escaped, the rowdy pitch invaders then turned on Espanyol’s unpopular board.
It was later confirmed that all Barcelona players and staff had escaped unhurt.
Xavi later commented: “It’s normal to celebrate but I understand that we are not at home and we can’t be disrespectful”
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Robert Lewandowski led the way with two goals for Xavi Hernandez’s men.
Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were also on the score sheet for the visitors.
The result sent Barcelona 14 points clear of rivals and former holders Real Madrid.
And, after losing just three times all season, they wrapped up the trophy with four games to spare.
Xavi added: “It’s a great feeling.
“It’s a job well done. This started in July and after months of work and sacrifice we have achieved our aim.
“The fans and the club deserve it, it gives us stability and security that things are being done well.
“We have sealed La Liga with a fantastic performance. We were brilliant tonight. The team relaxed at the end and Espanyol showed pride.”
Barcelona took a huge gamble in last summer’s transfer market when they activated numerous levers to fund a major splurge.
The likes of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Kounde all arrived for big fees.
And tasty contracts were also handed out to free agents including Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.
But Barca took an early hold on LaLiga and never let go as Real blew several chances to close the gap.
Xavi’s title win will certainly take away from Barcelona’s shortcomings in Europe, which saw them exit the Champions League before being dumped out of the Europa League by Man United.
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They also suffered defeat in the semi-final of the Spanish Cup to Real.
And Barca fans are sure to cheer on Man City when they play Los Blancos in their Champions League second-leg tie on Wednesday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
