Barcelona could follow Real Madrid precedent with immediate La Liga trophy lift | OneFootball

FC Barcelona fans would be eagerly awaiting their team’s match against Real Madrid tonight. This is not only because of everything that surrounds an El Clásico, but also because the Blaugranes can officially wrap up the La Liga title at the Spotify Camp Nou.

As things stand, a draw would be enough for FC Barcelona to mathematically secure the league crown under Hansi Flick. Furthermore, if they do manage to get the job done against Real Madrid, they can also end up lifting the trophy right after the final whistle.

In fact, Mundo Deportivo reports that the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Louzán, will be present at the Spotify Camp Nou tonight. His presence is linked to the possibility of Barcelona being handed the La Liga trophy immediately after the game if the title is confirmed.

The federation has generally followed two different procedures when handing over the league trophy. If a team secures the title away from home, the ceremony usually takes place during the following home match so the fans can celebrate with the players.

On the other hand, if the title is won at home, there are two possible scenarios. The federation can either wait until the next home game to present the trophy or hand it over immediately after the title-deciding match itself.

This second option is the one expected for Barcelona tonight, and there are recent precedents for it as well. Last season, Levante UD received the Segunda División trophy immediately after sealing promotion and the title. Similarly, back in the 2021/22 season, Real Madrid were handed the La Liga trophy right after their 4-0 win over RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Another interesting detail is that the trophy Barcelona could potentially lift tonight would be a completely new one. The Catalans were allowed to permanently keep the trophy corresponding to their 28th league title after a regulatory change introduced by Rafael Louzán following his arrival as federation president.

Before this rule change, league winners had to return the trophy months later, either to the federation or directly to the jeweler for refurbishment. Clubs were only allowed to keep the original trophy permanently if they won three consecutive league titles or five overall.

Thus, tonight could turn out to be a very special occasion for Barcelona and their supporters, but all that still depends on the players taking care of business on the pitch against Real Madrid.