FC Barcelona retain La Liga title

FC Barcelona secured their sixth La Liga title in eight years after Luis Suarez’s hat-trick defeated Granada on the final day of the season. Barca sealed the title in style away from home putting on a scintillating performance with Suarez at the focal point. Title challengers Real Madrid were also in action and the Catalans had to equal or better Madrid’s result. After just seven minutes Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid 1-0 and the pressure was no on Barcelona.

With 21 minutes played Barcelona had one hand on the trophy when Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Neymar combined on the left wing. Alba raced forward into the box before pulling it back for Suárez to net in his 38th goal of the season.Granada’s pregame tactics of leaving the grass drier and longer than usual came back to haunt them when Javier Mascherano’s diagonal ball bounced kindly to Dani Alves who’s cross was headed home by the onrushing Suarez. 2-0 at halftime Barcelona were already tasting the Champagne.

Suarez

The second half saw Granada come out of their shell, midfielder Fran Rico forced Marc-André ter Stegen to produce a fine save. Tackles were flying in from both sides as tempers began to flare. However late on Barcelona reasserted their dominance. Neymar and Suarez had chances to make it three but the Urugyuaian would have to wait until the 86th minute for his third. Neymar was through one on one with Andrés Fernández instead of taking the shot on himself he rolled the ball to Suarez who put the win beyond doubt and secured the Pichichi award with 40 goals.

Barcelona may not have been able to retain their treble but a domestic double is still on the cards when they face Sevilla next Sunday for the Copa Del Rey.

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