Three talking points for Barcelona ahead of their La Liga game against Espanyol | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are on the cusp of La Liga glory, with just one more hurdle to clear. A win against city rivals Espanyol later today would officially crown them champions, following last weekend’s thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid.

There is always a saying: lightning doesn’t strike twice. However, for Barcelona, it could. The last time they lifted the La Liga title under Xavi Hernandez, they beat Espanyol to it and Hansi Flick’s men have the chance to repeat the feat.

Had Real Madrid lost the game last night, to Mallorca, Barcelona would have already been announced La Liga winners coming into this Espanyol game but Los Blancos beat their La Liga opposition 2-1 and have handed over the initiative to the Catalan club.

With all this in mind, we at Sempre Barca bring to you three talking points for Barcelona ahead of their La Liga game against Espanyol.

1. Thank you, Real Madrid!

For the first and probably the only time, most Barcelona fans would have been hoping for Real Madrid to beat Mallorca last night, as it gives them the opportunity to lift the title by beating their arch local city rivals Espanyol.

Thank you, Jacobo Ramon! (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Mallorca were leading the game in the first half, and Kylian Mbappe equalized in the second. However, the game seemed to be petering to a 1-1 draw, which would have all but confirmed the title for Barcelona, but Jacobo Ramon scored a stoppage-time winner.

Real Madrid fans would have been happy with their academy product scoring a last-minute winner, but there is no doubt that most Barcelona fans would have also been very happy with the goal and been happy with the outcome of the match.

Now, the onus is on Barcelona to step up and get the job done against Espanyol. Hansi Flick’s men will surely be switched on will want to get the job done and it remains to be seen if they emerge La Liga champions at the end of the night.

2. Get well soon, Ferran!

Ferran Torres has had a brilliant season with 26G/A despite not being a regular starter, and it is a shame that he doesn’t get the opportunity to finish this season. The Spanish striker had to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.

The Spaniard has emerged as a very reliable number nine and has stepped up admirably in Robert Lewandowski’s absence in recent weeks. Even against Real Madrid last weekend, Ferran provided three assists in the first half.

Get well soon, Ferran. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick has managed to unlock a new level in the ex-Manchester City attacker, and he is slowly yet surely repaying the investment that Barcelona made on him all those years ago. It has been a slow burn but it is surely worth it.

One can only wish Ferran for the surgery and the recovery to go well and although he won’t be there to take part in the celebrations later today, he will surely return stronger next season and continue to be a key cog of Hansi Flick’s machine.

3. The icing on the cake:

The game against Espanyol, provided Barcelona wins it, will prove to be the icing on what has been a brilliant season for Hansi Flick’s team. The German coach has come in at the start of the season and had an unprecedented impact.

Not many people would have envisioned Barcelona to win the domestic treble and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League at the start of the season but that is exactly what the Catalan club has managed to do. All credit must go to the German coach.

Players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have the chance to lift the first league title of their careers. The duo have been spectacular for Barcelona this season and would be hoping to have yet another good game against Espanyol.

And should the Catalans lift the trophy at the home of a bitter rival, it won’t just be the icing on the cake—it’ll be the perfect exclamation point on a remarkable campaign.