Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was praised for getting his celebrating gamers off the pitch as tensions threatened to spill over after they secured the LaLiga title on Thursday with a 2-0 win at Espanyol.
It was the second time in three years Barça have won the league at their city rivals, with their triumph in 2023 marred by dwelling supporters breaching the pitch and chasing the visiting gamers down the tunnel.
Flick ensured these scenes weren’t repeated this time, marching his gamers off because the sprinklers had been turned on and an elevated safety presence managed the perimeter.
“Flick was a gentleman,” Espanyol coach Manolo González stated of his counterpart’s actions after the sport in a information convention. “He grabbed his gamers, received them off the pitch and received them within the dressing room.
“It would not make any sense to generate something larger after they’re in a position to have fun inside [away from Espanyol fans] or over the subsequent week.
“Two years in the past, there was a large number right here as a result of no frequent sense was utilized. We now have to congratulate Flick as a result of he handled it nicely. He is a very good coach and a gentleman on prime of it.”
There was a tense ambiance as the total time whistle approached on the RCDE Stadium after a troublesome night for the house supporters.
The sport had begun with chants of “Droop the match,” and was briefly halted after one supporter received onto the pitch after a car collided with fans outside the stadium earlier than kickoff, leaving greater than a dozen injured, however none significantly.
Native police stated the driving force had been detained, however that it remained unclear whether or not the incident had been an accident or not.
Lamine Yamal gave Barça the lead early within the second half with a surprising left-footed strike earlier than Leandro Cabrera was despatched off for elbowing {the teenager}.
Fermín López sealed the victory in stoppage time, prompting celebrations within the nook which irked Espanyol and led to clashes between the 2 units of the gamers on the finish of the sport.
“On the pitch it was clear we can not have fun there,” Flick stated in a information convention. “Two years in the past, I do not need to have this, it is also respect concerning the followers right here.
“We have fun within the dressing room, it was nice, unbelievable. The gamers can do this.”
The victory moved Barça seven factors away from second positioned Real Madrid with simply two video games to go, confirming them as Spanish champions for the twenty eighth time of their historical past.
It additionally accomplished a home treble in Flick’s first season on the membership, after success within the Spanish Supercopa and the Copa del Rey, and the workforce will have fun with an open prime bus parade by way of town on Friday.
“Go and have fun,” was Flick’s message to the supporters. “Tomorrow I believe I’ll stand somewhat within the again, see what occurs and revel in it.
“After I see the individuals smiling, for me it is the best factor. I hope everybody enjoys this parade tomorrow.”