It has been another momentous year for football in La Liga, with the shock departure of one of the greatest players in the history of the league, Cristiano Ronaldo, leading the headlines. But one thing remained the same as Barcelona clinched another La Liga title - their eighth league title in 11 years.
Barcelona won the La Liga for the 26th time after beating Levante 1-0 with 3 games still left to play. It was only fitting that Barcelona won the title at the hands of Levante as it was the team from Valencia that beat the Catalans on the penultimate day last season and handed them their first league loss.
Barcelona did suffer a few scares after Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored the winner but if there is one thing that the Barcelona under Ernesto Valverde can do, it is how to suffer and defend a one goal lead. It may sound very anti-barca but with no Xavi and Iniesta within their ranks anymore, a transition was required.
Ernesto Valverde deserves credit where it's due. After all, he has suffered only three defeats in the league since he joined last season. Even though he has had his fair share of critics, he has learned from his past mistakes. Prioritising the UEFA Champions League did not mean letting the league slip. There were rotations throughout the season as the players look sharper and fitter in the latter part of the season.
Barcelona will take on Liverpool in the semi-finals of the UCL
The hunt for the treble is still on. With the league done and dusted and the final of the Copa del Rey to be played against Valencia on May 25, Barcelona can solely focus on Liverpool now.
The Reds will be the biggest challenge for Valverde's men with their high press and intensity. But if this season is anything to go by, Barcelona reserve their best for the best. A mouthwatering clash awaits us in the UCL. But here we are going to talk about the five players that helped the Blaugrana clinch their second consecutive La Liga title.
5. Jordi Alba
One of the best left-backs in the world today. With two goals and eight assists in the league this season, Alba has made more goal contributions than any other defender in the league. Now in his seventh season in the Catalan club, he is having his most productive season. And another important factor is the Messi-Alba combination, something which reminds you of the Messi-Alves days.
4. Luis Suarez
It is surprising to see the league's second highest scorer with 21 goals ranked at four. But Suarez's form has been very inconsistent this season. There have been flashes of brilliance but at times he just ruins chance after chance. But it is his chemistry and understanding with Messi that can never be replicated by anyone else. If Barcelona are to win the treble this season, Suarez will have to be firing on all cylinders from now on.
3. Gerard Pique
After a struggle early in the season, Gerard Pique has easily been of the best defenders in the world since December. His newly formed partnership with Frenchman Clement Lenglet has been rock solid this season. Starring for arguably the greatest club and national teams of all time, and still winding up somehow underrated. That is the fate of Barcelona and Spain center back Gerard Pique as he makes it to number three in this list as the top two have been the best in their respective positions this season.
2. Marc-André ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper has been top notch this season and may even have a say in being the best keeper in the world right now. In the past two seasons, Ter Stegen has elevated his standing in the football world as Barcelona’s number one. Early in the season when Barcelona were suffering with a leaky defence, it was the German who rescued them time after time. Second in this list and could have easily made it to the top if it wasn't for a certain Argentine.
1. Lionel Messi
Where would Barcelona be without Lionel Messi? As he came off the bench and scored his 34th league goal against Levante to clinch the title, Messi has rescued Barcelona multiple times this season. It is hard to imagine if Barcelona could win eight league titles in 11 years if it wasn't for the Argentine maestro. Top in goals and assists in the league, Messi is looking to claim a record sixth Golden Shoe with Kylian Mbappe lurking in at second with 30 to his name. With only the UCL to focus on, Messi will be looking to bring back the elusive trophy which he had promised to bring back to the Camp nou.
